Courageous Act by Anasuya Menon: Essay Questions
Kannur University
Common Course
Readings on Kerala (1A02ENG)
1.
Discuss the various impediments that Ayisha faced in her career as an actress.
&
2. Discuss
the role and influence of theatre in the evolution of current social conditions
in Kerala
Kerala's current social conditions
are largely impacted by the influence of theatre organizations such as the KPAC
(Kerala People's Arts Club). During the 1950s when Ayisha was beginning her
theatre career, KPAC and similar groups were becoming active in Eranad and
Malabar, especially in small villages. Ayisha remarks in the feature written by
Anasuya Menon, a prominent journalist that contemporary theatre lacks
commitment. This is indicative of the nature of theatre activism in the past.
Ayisha worked in plays that called for revolution, fighting feudalism. These
plays have certainly shaped the social system of Kerala.
In the
feature, titled "Courageous Act" Anasuya Menon attempts to highlight
the various challenges faced by actor Nilambur Ayisha during her initial years.
Ayisha started her career in acting during the 1950s when it was taboo for
girls from the Muslim community to take part in theatre. Her debut play was Ijju Nalloru Manushyan Aavan Nokku directed by E K Ayamu. During
the early performances, men played female roles in the play. EMS
Namboodirippad, while reviewing the play suggested that women should play
female roles. One day, Ayamu visited her house with her brother and inquired if
Ayisha could act the role of Jameela in the play.
Ayisha's
father was a patron of arts and his servants were given opportunity every
evening to display their artistic talents. Her mother was apprehensive though. After her father's death, Ayisha's family realized they
were broke. Poverty and hunger became her reality. Those who were against her
theatre activism forbade people from helping her. Only a few good-hearted
individuals like Kunhi Kuttan Thampan of the royal family or Nilambur and Dr M
Usman offered her refuge. Both of them were social reformers and supported the
arts. Actor Nilambur Balan advised Ayisha to actively take part in theatre.
After
her father's death, the orthodox sections within the Muslim community and
fundamentalists started chasing her. She was pelted with stones several times. During the Bob Marley Festival in Kochi someone hurled a
stone at her. She was wounded between her eyebrows. On another occasion,
someone shot at her. She was performing in one of KT Mohammed's plays in
Manjeri. Ayisha narrowly escaped the attack. She was saved by sheer luck.
Another time, while performing at Mannarkad, a man from the audience went up to
her and slapped her. Ayisha lost her ability to hear in one ear due to this
incident.
At the
age of thirteen, Ayisha was forced into marrying a 47-year-old man who was
uncouth and did not even wear a shirt. He took a large stick and threatened to
beat Ayisha. On the fifth day of the marriage, Aisha asked him to get out of
her house. She mothered a child at the age of fourteen and never married again.
Theatre was Ayisha's passion.
There
was no monetary benefit involved in her early theatre career. Ayisha brought
her sister Amina to the stage through Dr Usman's play Ee Duniyavil Njan Ottakkanu (I'm Alone in this World). Ayisha was honoured
with the title "Keralathinte Veeraputhri". She received many awards
such as S L Puram State Prize for overall contribution to theatre and the
Kerala State Award for the Best Supporting Actress in the children's film Oomakkuyil Paadumbol. Ayisha worked in many films such as Kandam Vacha Coat, Kuttikuppayam, Paleri Manickyam, etc.
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