RESURRECTION (A Collection of One Act Plays)

RESURRECTION (A collection of One Act Plays)

MADHUSOODANAN M TGT SST K V PAYYANUR

To my dear parents, the embodiment of love and affection, who spent midnight hours waiting for me at the threshold of my house during the days of my active participation in social clubs and theatre activities.

MADHUSOODANAN M

Born on 25th April 1967 in Cherukunnu, Padiyil of Kannur District.

Education: Odayammadam UP SCchool, Cherukunnu, Govt. Boys High School Cherukunnu, Sir Syed College Taliparamba, Payyanur College Payyanur, Chovva B. Ed Centre Kannur

Joined KVS in 1992 as Primary Teacher and Served in KV Keltron Nagar, KV CISF No.2 Arakkonam (TN), KV PAYYANUR, KV No.2 Vidya Nagar Kasaragod

In 2008 promoted as TGT SST and posted to KV INS Valsura, Jamnagar, Gujarat, from there moved on to KV Hebbal Bangalore, KV No.2 Vidyanagar Kasaragod, KV No.1 CPCRI Kasaragod. KV Keltron Nagar. At present working in KV Payyanur.

Apart from being a teacher, was an actor, Make up man, lyricist and a popular Quiz Master.

Awards: Best Actor in the local Drama Competitions

Best make up man Award in the Kannur Kasaragod District Level Drama Competition.

The Skit written and presented won the third prize at National Level Social Science Exhibition

Won the Best Singer Award in the TOLIC Solo Song competition, conducted in Kannur and Kasaragod Districts .

Academic councilor of CPPDPT IGNOU & KVS Resource Person Study materials preparation committee Member

Won the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Regional Incentive Award in the year 2015-16

Won the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan National Incentive Award in the year 2016 - 17

‘SAMEERAM’ EMBETE P O Opp. ABC Stock Point Pariyaram, Kannur Dist. Kerala PIN CODE 670503 Mob. No. 8547241161 Blog: www.vestigo2020.wordpress.com E–Mail : [email protected] [email protected] 4

I extend my gratitude to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan that filled my life with kaleidoscopic colours through workshops, Inservice courses and transfers giving me an opportunity to meet people from different parts of India.

My heartfelt gratitude to KVS HQ and KVS Ernakulam Region (2016)

Dr. Uma Sivaraman Deputy Commissioner

Sri. V Karunakaran Asst. Commissioner Present D C of Ernakulam Region

Smt. V Meenakshi Asst. Commissioner

Smt. Deepthi Nair Asst. Commissioner

I also take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt thanks to all the Principals and colleagues with whom I worked and shared experiences.

I specially thank from the inner core of my heart, the Principals who enriched my life with novel and innovative ideas and thoughts.

Sri. V Kesava Rao KV Payyanur

Sri. Somasundaram KV Payyanur

Smt. Nirmala Mohan KV Keltron Nagar & KV Payyanur

Smt. Shyamala Devi KV Keltron Nagar

Sri. Vajravel Ponmudi KV CISF Thakkolam, Arakkonam TN

Sri. Padmanabhan KV Payyanur

Sri. Paneer Selvam KV No.2 Kasaragod

Sri. Sakthivel KV No.2 Kasaragod

Sri. Rohithas Kumar KV INS Valsura, Jam Nagar, Gujarat

Sri. C Karunakaran K V Hebbal Bangalore

Smt. Saradamani KV No.2 Kasaragod

Smt. Aishath Suhra K V No.1 CPCRI Kasaragod

Sri. K P Thankappan KV Keltron Nagar

Sri. Rameshkumar Prajapat KV Keltron Nagar

Dr. Rani S D KV Payyanur

THANK YOU 5

Acknowledgement

My eldest brother, role model, theatre artist, social activist and Rtd.Teacher of Govt. High School Cherukunnu Sri. M Prabhakaran, who applied make up for me without complaints though it was a few days before my SSLC Exam.

The most loving Primary teachers in Odayammadam U P School who taught me that letters are flames and that is the best weapon to fight against injustice.

All my High School and College Teachers who taught me to move from illuminated vistas in search of further distances spreading blossoms of goodness, happiness and hardwork.

My Theatre Guru late. Sri. Madan Padmanabhan (Rtd. TTE SR) who opened a new world of Drama and reading in my native place PADIYIL.

My friends Sri. Balan Padiyil (Co-Op Bank Cherukunnu) , Sri.Subhash Ayyoth (Business), Sri. Dineshkumar (Health Inspector Cherukunnu ), Sri. T.Vijayan (Gulf) and Sri.Selvaraj.E (Gulf) who joined me in arranging a make shift stage using old clothes for front and back curtains in the portico of Padiyil Christian Church at the age of 12.

My Nephews Renjith Lal N K, Pratap N K and my friends Dipu Karakkunu, Baburaj Ambalappuram, Rajesh.E, Prasanth Raphel, Chandran Ezhilode ( Pixel Studio Ezhilode) who encouraged and supported me to present my plays successfully.

The good Samaritans of my native place PADIYIL who helped us to realize our dream of presenting a play on stage.

Sri. E T Simon who permitted us the use of his entire house freely for rehearsals and club activities.

Our Music Composer Sri. Jose Padiyil (Singer & Harmonium player ), Sri. Bonifos Christukunnu (Tabalist) , Sri. Michael Punchakkad (Keyboardist), Sri. Johnson Punchakkad (Flautist), Sri. Jose Prakash(Singer & Keyboardist).

Sri. Late. Zacharia Master Bakkalam, Music Director who composed powerful music for our plays and also set to tunes the lyric that I wrote for the plays --- who left for his heavenly abode leaving his music unfinished.

The Clubs who gave me encouragement and a lot of stages Sakthi Arts Padiyil, YVC Chunda, Youth Centre Keezhara, Nattarangu Padiyil, Thanal and Cosmos Chidangil, Choice Kalavedi Karakkunnu, Santos Sports Club Christukunnu, Samoohya Vinoda Kendram Kunnanangad, NASC Ambalappuram. Janakeeya Vayanasaala Kavinisseri, AKG Smaraka Samithi, Thekkumbadu, Kunhimangalam, SAWAK Kannur, Karunya PSS Dalil, Samskarika Nilayam Illippuram, Chaithanya Arts & Sports Club Moolakkil, Vengara, Anaswara Arts & Sports Club Embete, Pariyaram

I also express my sincere gratitude to

Sri. P.O.Krishnan Christkunnu, Sri. Krishnan Master Keezhara, Sri. T C Gangadharan Master, Sri. Haridas Cherukunnu, Sri. Kannur Vasootty, Sri. Radhan Kannapuram, Sri. C V N Irinavu, Sri. Kadan Karunakaran Master, Sri.Manjulan, Sri. Santhosh Keezhattoor, Sri. Uthaman Pappinisseri, Sri.O.Mohanan, Sri. Thomas Kelankoor, Sri. Lakshmanan Cherukunnu, Sri. K Mohanan Kovvapuram, Sri.C H Pradeepkumar, Sri. Purushan Cherukunnu,Sri.Sunilmaster Sri. M K Rajeevan, Sri.K Dinesan, Sri. V K Pavithran, Sri.Santhosh Chidangeel, Sri. E Krishnan, Sri. N Ajithkumar, Sri. Sreejith Pongadan, Sri. M P Pavithran, Sri. T Narayanan Pallikkara, Dr. Sanilkumar, Asst. Professor, Dr.Rajeevan Asst. Professor, Sri. C H Pramod Kumar Sri.Madhu Madan, Sri. Anandan master, Sri. Ambujakshan, Sri. Haridas Palayad, Sri. Padmanabhan Morazha, Sri. Jithesh Kannapuram, Sri. Muttam Purushu, Sri. T V Rajesh NASC, Sri. Kunhambu Kalliasseri, Sri.Shaji Kavinisseri Sri. Ramesan Madayi, Sri. Suresh SK Light &Sound, Sri. Sugathan Paliyathvalappu, Sri. Koileriyan Sunilkumar, Sri. Janardhanan Master, Sri. Raju &Sri.Vijayan Christukunnu, Sri. Chandranandan ( BSNL Kasaragod), Sri. Gopalan Pattuvam

Sri. Padmanabhan ( KV Mangalore ), Sri. Krishnan & Sri. A. Ravi ( KV Payyanur ), Mrs. S R Vidya ( KV Payyanur ), Mrs. Mini Balachandran ( KV Kanhangad ), Mr.Vinodan M ( KV Keltron Nagar ), Mr. Hari ( KV MEG & Centre Bangalore ), Mr. Ranjan Pandey ( KV Kolkota ), Mr. Amit Meena ( KV Kota Rajastan ), Mr.Shaju ( KV No.2 Kasaragod), Mr. Sunny( KV Pattom Tvm.), Sri. Dinesh Meena ( Principal ), Tej Sethi Madam ( KV INS Valsura ), Sri. Abhijith & Mrs.Silviya Abhijith (KV Gandhi Nagar), Smt. Vasathi & Sri. Parasu Ram Rathod( KV Hebbal), Sri. Sam Sundar (KV Virudhu Nagar T N), Sri. Jitendra Kumar Dixit (KV Hoshangabad MP), Mrs. Praseena( KV Kannur)

Sri. Snehaj Sreenivas Quiz Master, The Secretary, Quiz Kerala and The National Secretary, Quiz Society of India & Director, South India, International Quizzing Association (IQA) Asia Chapter.

Sean Arts Kannapuram, Balu Arts, New Arts, Thaha Arts Cherukunnu, Sreejayan Arts Valayam

Balu Arts Cherukunnu that designed the cover page. Sri. Rajeevan K PGT English KV Vidya Nagar, Kasaragod (at present KV Idukki) for the Foreword. Sri. Ajayan Praxis Press Kasaragod for DTP work and printing.

FOREWORD

The question: Art for Art’s Sake or Art for Man’s Sake has been reverberating in the literary world for over centuries. But Madhusoodanan’s collections of five skits unmistakably unveils his commitment to the society and posterity. All these skits are the offshoot of his keen observation of the world around him as a sensitive human being.

As a teacher, Madhusoodanan has been a major influence upon the students more than two decades and his skits speak volumes of his concern for the student community and the society in which they live. The way in which he conveys his message to the world is unique and commendable. The dialogue is terse, simple and crispy and easy to understand. He reaches out to the masses not with complex symbols or difficult vocabulary, but simple words of common parlance. One can readily experience the poignance with which the writer denounces and denounces and decries the follies and foibles the society and reinstalls values which are of permanent value to mankind.

Though the writer is didactic in his approach to social evils, and more direct in his attack, he is never prolix and prosaic. Here, he both entertains and educates, ignites their mind and instructs them through language less allated with emotional and nostalgic overtones. ‘Disappearing Daughters’ is a clarion call for gender sensitization, culminating on the idea that ‘man and woman are two phases of Nature to be balanced equally’. While the ‘Resurrection’ on other hand is a trenchant tirade against drug abuse. ‘ The Phoenix’ as its title implies fights for and aims at an immediate resurrection for all child labourers as dignified normal educated children with a sense of purpose and human dignity. In the ‘Yellow Leaf’ the way in which the writer brings in the ‘pastness of the past and its presence’ is brilliant in its articulation. The reader first experiences the pain at the son’s callousness to his father and later rejoices at the pleasure of reunion that comes in when he realizes what his father was to him in his childhood. The Yellow Leaf is not after all yellow, but turns to green with life and vitality through the nightingale’s baritone resonating with filial love. In ‘Elixir’ the writer voices his concern for nature where he contrasts the adult’s casual approach to the cutting of the tree and a little girl’s love and concern for it and the way in which she ensures the safety.

Thus these skits hold a mirror upto the contemporary social life. The writer’s passion for expurgating and expunging the social impurities is deeply ingrained and etched on them.

I feel proud to recommend this work to all readers and wish Madhusoodanan all success in all his future literary ventures.

Sri. RAJEEVAN K PGT ENGLISH KV NO.2 KASARAGOD

DISAPPEARING DAUGHTERS MADHUSOODANAN M TGT SST K V PAYYANUR

DISAPPEARING DAUGHTERS

( Won the third prize at the National level Social Science exhibition at Jaipur)

The curtain rises. On the front right side there is a raised platform. Above that is seen a cage hanging with a parrot inside it. In the centre of the platform is seen a flower pot with a red blossomed rose plant facing the audience. In the same pot, on the opposite side of the red flowers are black flowers. Front left side of the stage there is another raised platform. On it is a hearth with a pot kept on it. Behind the platform one can see a table and a chair. On the table a globe and a few books are kept. Near the table hanging from the ceiling is a cradle. The background is a black curtain. The opening scene is a dream sequence.

A man is seen waiting expectantly for his new born baby. Just then he hears the cries of his baby. His face brightens up with happiness. There are shades of anxiety too. The Mother enters with a baby. The Father is expecting a boy child.

Mother: It’s a boy child.

Father: Wow! Boy child! .Oh my goodness. I expected it. Thank God….. 9

(Father and mother put the baby in the cradle...very happy (Music). A boy enters from behind the table and does a lot of activities. At the end of the music the boy and the mother disappear. The man wakes up from his dream startled. The Father waits for the baby. Mother re-enters)

Mother: It’s a girl child. (Music)

Father: Girl child? No, no, I can’t believe this….… (Looking at the baby girl child) Hopeless creature, unfortunate creature, my destroyer, destructive seed….

(The Mother goes crying, inside with the child)

(Eldest girl child enters during this time. Starts doing household work)

Father: ( Moves towards the flower pot, looking at the red flowers) How much , how much I desired to get one more like you…..but , but what is the result? (Turning the flower pot – now the black flowers face the audience) No…no…no…

(Second girl child enters...looks at the caged parrot...tries to let it free, but fails)

Second girl child: Father, Father…

Father: Leave me alone.

( The second girl child exits) (Music)

(The girl children enter in school uniform carrying certificates. They want to show

it to their Father)

Second girl child: Father, Father….

Father: Don’t call me Father….

Second girl child: Father, I have won first prize in painting…..and my sister got first prize in story

writing….and see these certificates….

Father: Certificates……go away…don’t call me Father. All my misfortunes started on the

day I saw your unfortunate faces….you are the terrible seeds that will harvest all

my misfortunes….

First girl child: Father, why speak such cruel words….after all….I am your first daughter….

what’s my mistake…

Father: How dare you question….get away from my eyes…..born to create

tensions….tensions….only tensions… 10

(The girls start walking away sadly)

Father: Wait….no more school for you tomorrow onwards. One more like you has arrived.

Take care of that…..

First girl child: Father, I want to study….I want to become someone in life.

Father: Someone in life? … Go away....

(The girls walk away. Father waits for his son to reach home from school)

Boy: Father….. (Music)

Father: Oh…come on my dear son. ( Lifting the son) What about your school today, my son?

Boy: Oh…. Dad….I presented a poem today…and I got first prize…

Father: Is it so?

Boy: Yes Dad….everybody….everybody appreciated me.

Father: Oh my goodness….what shall I give you….come on take these chocolates….congratulations my child….come fast….change your dress….and have your food….

(Father and son move out)

(The girls enter and start doing household work. Father and son enter. Father lovingly feeds his son while his daughters sweep the floor and cook food. The parrot starts crying inside the cage)

Boy: (Looking at his sisters) Father….what’s this….they are my sisters….why can’t you arrange a servant? Dad, let me give them these biscuits….

Father: No….

Boy: Please dad.

Father: Sit here and have your food….

(Mother enters. She is sad seeing her daughters’ condition and starts crying.)

Mother: You are so happy to see your son. But what about our daughters? Can’t you hear me? Can’t you hear me? (Father comes to the mike point). Even they are doing very well….even they have won prizes…

Father: So what?

Mother: They are also our blood like our son…till day….till day have you ever spoken a good word to them, have you ever given them a new toy….have you ever appreciated them….you are always driving them away….why….why this discrimination.(MUSIC)

(Mother cries and hugs one of her daughters)

Father: Because, they are daughters….since their first day on the earth I have been forced to tie my hands, legs and eyes….

Mother: Is it a crime to be born as a girl….from the day they take birth….till the day they die….they are living and dying simultaneously.

Father: Don’t test my patience….even if I sell my house….my entire property….even myself….I won’t be able to get good husbands for them.

Mother: You sow what you reap….and you reap what you sow.

Father: What do you mean?

Mother: How can you forget the way you demanded dowry and squeezed my parents’ dry? Even today my Father is paying the interest of the loan.

Father: Oh you started counting. Stop all that and pack his things.

Mother: For what?

Father: He is joining in an international school and they are not going to school tomorrow onwards.

(Father walks away)

Second girl child: Mother I want to go to school, please Mother, please...

First girl child: Mother I want to become someone in life.

Mother: I am so helpless my children…. Is this a woman’s fate….is this a woman’s fate (Mother takes the baby from the cradle and walks away crying...brother tries to comfort his sisters)

Boy: My dear sisters, whatever father says... you should continue your studies. My Social Science teacher used to say, “Letters are the flames and it is the weapon of the slaves”. There are millions of women who have overcome the challenges of life and emerged like phoenix from their ashes. Helen Keller, Rashsundari, Rokaya Hussain, Rosa Parker, Mahashweta Devi, Captain Lakshmi, Indira Gandhi, P.T Usha, J.K Rowling, Kalpana Chawla.( There is a rolling chart on the stage with picture of the above mentioned personalities. As he speaks he quickly turns the photos one after another, facing the audience. At the end he takes the globe in his hand and rotates it swiftly.) So my dear sisters, clouds cannot completely cover the sun. So rise up and change your world. (MUSIC) 12

(Second girl child frees the parrot from its cage...the first girl child frees herself from the burden and moves up and down the stage with her arms outstretched as if flying. Music is heard in the background.)

(They exit from the stage.)

(Father and Mother are now old...they enter)

Father: All these years I took care of my son. But when I needed him, it’s my daughter who came with outstretched arms of love and affection.

(Grandchildren enter)

Granddaughter: Grand pa.

Grandson: Grand ma.

Grandfather: Come on my little ones.

I’ve done injustice to your mother, I’ve never spoken a good word to her. I never held little fingers like yours. The hand I should love pushed her away. So my little ones, can you see the flowers around? Can you imagine a world without flowers? Can you imagine a world without women? Can you imagine a world without motherhood? (First girl child enters with her baby girl...grandpa is happy and pleased to see his granddaughter)

Daughter: Father!

Father: Come on my dear daughter. Only now I realise man and woman are the two faces of nature to be balanced equally. So save the girl child and treat her with dignity.

(Everyone is seen pampering and loving the little baby) **************************************************************** MADHUSOODANAN M TGT SST KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PAYYANUR (Ernakulam Region) EDAT. P.O, KANNUR Dist. KERALA PIN CODE : 670327 Mob. Number : 8547241161 E–Mail : [email protected] [email protected] Blog- www.vestigo2020.wordpress.com 13

RESSURUCTION

Madhusoodanan M TGT SST KV Payyanur

( Won first prize at the NAEP drama competition in Ahmedabad region at KV Okha)

When the curtain rises the stage presents a seen of a Public programme. Infront of the back curtain a three to four chairs on which are seated the guests of honour.

HM : On behalf of each and everyone, I invite the chief guest of the day Sri. Mohan Raj IAS our District Collector to inaugurate the annual day of school and also address the gathering.

Collector: Honoured dignitaries on the dias, brothers, sisters and my dear children. First of all I thank the almighty for giving me an opportunity to stand on this dias and speak a few words to you. Beyond that I also thank two former students of KV through whom god intervened in my life and also all those people who supported and encouraged me. Let the story of my life be a gift to the children who love stories.

(Flash back and background music.)

(When the curtain goes up a middle aged man is seen sleeping. The room is unkempt. Empty bottles of alcohol are scattered in the room. His beard is overgrown, hair uncombed , the dress dirty and his hands are trembling. He gets up and frantically opens the bottles one by one hoping to get a drop from one of them. When he doesn’t get he throws the bottles angrily and walks up and down in the room seething with anger.

Music is heard in the background)

A child with frightened face slowly comes in. He is shabbily dressed and appears to be starving. He looks very tired.

Father: (Shouting angrily). Why are you so late? Come on take out?

Child: Father I have got only these.(The child frightened, put his hands inside his

pocket and takes out the coins. He then stretches them towards his father.)

(The man pushes away the out stretched hands. The room echoes with the sound of the falling coins.)

Father: How many times I told you to beg more and more. This is not enough to get even a peg. (He pushes the child and picking up the coins he storm out of the room. The child gets up slowly, sobbing and moves towards the centre of the stage).

Child: Mother… mother….

(background music of lullaby, a woman dressed in a white saree comes and stands behind him. She slowly runs her fingers through his hair. By the expression on the child’s face are can make out that he can feel the presence of his mother).

Child: (Crying) Mother…. Mother….. (the child slowly moves towards the mic point

and the mother moves towards the left the side of the stage)

(The man enters drunk)

Father: Pack all your things. Now you needn’t beg….you needn’t study.

Child: Father, my school… I will beg and bring more money.

Father: Your school! (Throws the school bag away) Just obey what I say.

(Light off. When the stage is lighted- the stage presents a tea shop.

A middle aged lady is seen sitting at the counter. The man enters with the child.)

Lady: Oh! you have reached ! Have you told him everything?

Father: Yes madam. I have given him enough details.

Lady: He should work very well.

Father: If he doesn’t work, I will finish him. Madam Iam in a hurry. Give me some money.

(Bargaining – work)

Father: Madam I will come next month.

( It is evening. The child is seen sweeping the room, then he mops the floor. Two KV students are seen walking in the road in front. When they see a child of their age working so hard, they look at him pityingly. When one of them was about to ask the boy something the hotel lady enters).

Lady: What do you want?

Children : Nothing.

(The two children walk away (darkness - Music)

(Early morning. The boy is seeing sweeping the front yard of the tea shop. The two

KV students walk up to him). 16

KV Child 1: What’s your name?

Child: Raj… Mohan Raj

KV Boy 2: How did you reach here Raj? Don’t you want to go to school?

(Sad music as background . Raj is seeing talking to the boys – work – music continues).

KV Child 1: Don’t worry Raj. I remember the words of my Social Science teacher. Child labour is abolished. Child help line has been set up by the govt. to save thousands and thousands of children like you. The number is 1098. We will pass this message to our teacher and we will report against the lady who has employed you and is making you work hard. I am sure Child Line workers will rescue you from this cruel situation. (The lady is seen seated at the counter, One child Line Worker enters with a Police Officer . the lady starts seen the Police Officer).

Lady: Sir what’s the matter?

Police Off : Don’t you know that the child labour has been banned?

Lady: Sir I haven’t done anything wrong.

Police Off : Isn’t this a major crime? (To the child) How did you reach here?

Boy: My father….

Police Off : Do you throw the way home?

Boy: Yes sir.

Police Off :(To the lady) We are taking with us. When you are called, come to the station immediately.

Lady: Yes sir. (The Jeep moves – sound is heard)

(The man is seen sitting on the chair, dozing. The Police Officer with child line worker and the boy enter. The man is startled the first notices his son. He jumps up and raises his hand to strike the child).

Police Off : Stop. You are not fit the child’s father… what a father you are?

Child Line worker: Dear brother, steady yourself and please take care of the child. He is your hope. He is your dream and he is your future. Please….Please…. Educate him… send him to school.

(Back ground music…. The child line worker counseling the father. He admits his mistake …. work)

(The back ground curtain changes ….. The beginning scene…. Back ground …. Clapping sound… pleasant background music)

Dist. Collector: So dear children letters are flames… and it is the weapon of the slaves. It was only because of those KV Children and the Child help line. Thank God… Dear Children my humble request is that knowledge is power. So…. (Music…)

****************************************************************

MADHUSOODANAN M TGT SST KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PAYYANUR (Ernakulam Region) EDAT. P.O, KANNUR Dist. KERALA PIN CODE : 670327 Mob. Number : 8547241161 E–Mail : [email protected] [email protected]

Blog- www.vestigo2020.wordpress.com

THE PHOENIX

Madhusoodanan M TGT SST KV Payyanur

A scene from THE PHOENIX

(Curtain rises. Back ground is a black curtain. On the left side of the stage a raised platform with steps can be seen. In front of it is a smaller platform. On the Right is a small shelf. In front a table is kept. In the right front corner a cot can be seen. A figure is seen lying on the single benchclose to the Left side with a bed sheet covered. Near the foot of the bench is a door with iron bars reminding one of a jail.

A boy slowly gets up from behind the platform and climbs up its steps. He has a very innocent expression on his face. He stands on the platform and slowly opens a rainbow coloured umbrella. Water can be seen dripping down the umbrella. He collects the droplets in his palm and throws it around. Then he slowly comes down the steps and moves towards the smaller platform.

Suddenly a terrible music is heard in the background. The child turns back frightened. All of a sudden a huge dark figure appears standing on the raised platform. It has a huge syringe hanging from its neck. It jumps and swiftly moves towards the frightened child who starts running to escape the monster. But the monster pounces on the child and carries it towards the front platform. Then it takes the syringe and is about to pierce the child with it. Somehow the boy gathers all his strength 19 and escapes. Simultaneously the figure on the cot can be seen twisting and turning as if in great pain. Suddenly the person jumps up from the bench with a loud scream and stands holding the bars of the door breathing heavily.)

The boy moves towards the mic point.

Azad : I am Azad! Azad I am .but.... but ....why do you look at me like that .Do I look different (laughs) Yes I am different-different(cries) (changing tune)

I use to be like you –happy... cheerful... (music )my father ..my mother...so loving ....my school days...(pleasant music in the background, Azad slowly moves out of the stage).

FLASHBACK

Azad is seen walking to school with his mother. He takes a paper boat from his pocket and floats it in the water.

At school he does some activities. While returning from school he plucks a mango from a mango tree and is scolded by an old lady.

Next scene the mother is seen packing Azad’s bag and lunch box. She calls out to Azad. The boy enters the stage with headset on his ears and a cap on his head.( background music Michael Jackson’s song dangerous is heard)

MOTHER: What doI see Azad! Still dancing! Look at the clock –your bus will reach now.

Come on ... come on...hurry up .What to do with this Michael Jackson.

Azad : Ok mother I am ready (removes the cap and headset and puts it on his mother)...

my Tiffin... my water ...... my bag... bye ... here I go. (Azad moves out of the stage through the left exit)

MOTHER: What to do with this Michal Jackson!(The mother puts the headset on her

ears...music continues and starts swaying to the music. She moves out of the stage using the right exit.)

Azad is seen running towards the bus stand. He collides with a man coming from the opposite side.

AZAD: Sorry uncle...any idea about the bus ?

MAN: I think it will come within 10 minutes.

AZAD: 10 minutes? I will be late!

MAN: Don’t worry I am also going by the same bus. (The man slowly rolls up his sleeve

and extends his arm towards Azad. Watches of different colours and shapes are seen strapped to his arm.) Till it comes would u like to see or buy any of these.

AZAD: Wow ..wonderful! But sorry no money .

MAN: It’s ok .Tomorrow...

(He takes a chocolate from his pocket and offers to Azad) Why don’t you take this chocolate as a mark of our first meeting.

AZAD: No I don’t want it.

MAN: It’s a small one – a gift –for our friendship.

(Azad takes the toffee – removes the wrapper and slowly puts it into his mouth. The man observes him with a cruel and a cunning expression. He smiles to himself slyly.)

AZAD: Very tasty...

MAN: Yes ... it is something is very special.

AZAD: Thank you uncle.

MAN: Welcome. (The man exits)

(A pleasant music beings, the child sways slightly and looks intoxicated. A figure dressed in white robes slowly rises from behind the platform and moves towards the boy. It holds the boy’s hands and starts dancing with slow movements)

FIGURE: How do you feel Azad?

AZAD: I feel like flying in the air.

( Music continues...the figure holds the boy by his finger and rotates him swiftly and then glides out of the stage. Azad tries to rush after him. But is unable to catch him. He moves out of the stage with unstable steps.)

(Next day morning Azad is seen sleeping on the bench. Mother enters)

MOTHER: Azad! Azad! It’s getting late. Come on... fast!

(Azad unwillingly gets up from his bed and slowly moves towards the Right exit to get ready. Meanwhile the mother packs his bag and lunch box. Azad comes in ready to go to school. But his appearance is not very neat.)

MOTHER: Here is the money. (Mother gives him money for the bus)

AZAD: This is not enough Mom. I need more money. (He snatches the remaining money

from his Mother’s hand and exits.)

MOTHER: (Moves towards the mic point.) More money, for what? It doesn’t matter.

( At the bus stand, Azad looks around)

AZAD : Where is uncle gone?(Looks at the watch) Getting late to school.

(Man appears)

AZAD: Uncle, why are you late? I was waiting for you, please give me the sweet.

MAN: Sweet ... ok here it is.( He takes a different sweet and gives him)

AZAD: Not this one .Yesterday’s – that one .

MAN: That one .Do you want it?

AZAD: Yes please give it quickly

MAN: That is too costly .You should pay for it.

AZAD: I don’t have enough money.

MAN : Then it is difficult.

(Azad removes his watch, and takes money from his pocket and gives it to the man)

MAN: Fine. Here. (exit)

(A different pleasant music, the child sways slightly and looks intoxicated. Again a figure dressed in white robes slowly rises from behind the platform and moves towards the boy. It holds the boy’s hands and starts dancing with slow movements. Music continues...the figure holds the boy by his finger and rotates him swiftly and then glides out of the stage. Azad tries to rush after him. But is unable to catch him. He moves out of the stage with unstable steps.)

(It is evening. Mother is seen waiting for Azad. She looks at the clock. Azad comes in very gloomy)

MOTHER: What happened Azad? Why do you look so gloomy?

AZAD: Nothing. (Handed over the Progress Card to the Mother)

(Mother reads the progress card and becomes very upset. By the time Azad’s Father enters.)

MOTHER: Thank god, you have come.

FATHER: What is the matter?

MOTHER: Our Azad...

FATHER : Our Azad....?

MOTHER: He is too depressed. His report card my god- what a slide down?

FATHER: Azad...... Azad...... come here. (Azad enters) What is this?

AZAD: I don’t know.

FATHER: Your marks.

AZAD: I don’t care.

FATHER: I don’t care? How dare you say that?

AZAD: Whatever...

(Father pulls out his belt.....beats him...... but no effect....)

(Azad looks desperate. He pulls his hair. He looks around wide eyed)

AZAD: Where is my sweet....

(Father and mother looks at each other puzzled. They slowly go to him.)

(He does not look at his parents. He frantically pulls off the bed sheet, turns the pillow, lifts the bed, throws the papers up into the air, all the time muttering)

AZAD: Where is my sweet....? Where is my sweet? (To father) ...(To Mother) – Where is

my sweet? ( He goes to the mic point) – Where is my sweet?

AZAD: My sweet.... my sweet... where is it... where is my sweet?

( He rushes towards the bag kept on the bench. He turns the bag upside down, searching all the time.)

AZAD: My sweet.... my sweet... where is it... where is my sweet?

(He finds one. He quickly removes the wrapper and puts the sweet into his mouth savouring its taste. Then he slowly moves towards the bench and lies on it. He starts flailing his hands and legs in the air. Father slowly moves towards his son and affectionately caresses his forehead. Then he sobs) FATHER: My son..my son... (Cries)

MOTHER: Come on... this is not the time to shed tears. We have to think about this

problem. We should not break. 23

FATHER: ( At the mic point) True...let’s get help. (Takes his mobile phone and dials) 1098? Hello, is it Child Help Line?(He talks)

(Next day. The scene of a councillor’s room).

COUNCILLOR: ( To Azad’s parents) Good morning. We have got the man arrested.

Nothing to worry. Please call the child.

FATHER: My son...

COUNCILLOR: Don’t break. This is the moment when you need courage.Support your son and bring him back to life.

( They bring in Azad. The councillor looks at him and smiles gently. Parents exit. She councils Azad and exits)

(Now he is seen sleeping on the bench. He tosses and turns frequently appearing very disturbed. Once again he dreams. The same dark monster is seen approaching him with a huge syringe. It moves his hands slowly over the sleeping boy from head to toe. Then it swiftly holds the syringe with both the hands over its head and is about to pierce the boy with it. All of a sudden Azad gets up crying loudly.)

( The Councillor enters with Azad’s parents – moves towards Azad who is seen sitting on the bench, councils him again. The Councillor moves towards the parents and discusses and moves towards Azad.)

COUNCILLOR: Azad see, your parents have come. They’re waiting for you.

(He gets up very slowly and goes to his father. Father presents a rose to him. He hugs his Father and turns towards the mic)

AZAD: 1098... the magic number. The salvation of my life. Salvation for thousands yesterday,

today and tomorrow.

COUNCILLOR : This is just a drop in the ocean. How many parents are able toi support your child? Have you ever monitored the lengthy phone calls? Have4 you ever checked history of the net? Have you ever followed your son to school or tuition centre?. Have you ever noticed the changing shades on your child’s face? Have you ever had a heart to heart chat with your child? If you had checked we could have avoid this situation and save thousands of young, energetic and enthusiastic generation and build a new India.( Azad takes a rainbow coloured umbrella from the right corner and opens it. His parents stand on either side of him, hugging him. Three of them half turns to go. The Councillor stands facing the audience with a smile on her face.)

****************************************************************************

MADHUSOODANAN M TGT SST KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PAYYANUR (Ernakulam Region) EDAT. P.O, KANNUR Dist. KERALA PIN CODE : 670327 Mobile Number : 8547241161 E–Mail : [email protected] [email protected]

Blog- www.vestigo2020.wordpress.com

YELLOW LEAF

Madhusoodanan M TGT SST KV Payyanur

YELLOW LEAF

(With Pratap Padiyil based on the documentary What Is It?)

(Won the first prize at the Regional level Social Science Exhibition at KV Ernakulam and selected for the National level)

The curtain rises after the announcement. On the left of the stage dim light is seen falling musically. A figure can be seen lying on the cot disliking the breaking of dawn. Placed near the cot is a jug of water. In the same place a pair of glasses and a book and a walking stick can be seen. Behind these is a bookshelf. On the top rack an old and faded family photo is seen. There is also a radio and some medicines. In one corner clothes are folded and kept. In the lower rack books can be seen neatly kept. The person who was tossing and turning gets up slowly from his bed. He puts out his head from under the bed sheet. He is about 60 and is very tired. He stretches out his hands and searches for something. By mistake the walking stick falls down. As if scared of someone he looks around and then wears his glasses. He starts coughing and tries to drink water from the jug. When he takes in the water, he coughs and the water is sprayed out. He smells the jug and keeps it away immediately as if it smelled very bad. Painfully, he goes back to the cot and covers himself. He sits lost in thoughts. The lights on the stage slowly fades. 26

On the right side of the stage Bright light is seen. A handsome young man of about 25 years is seen doing a serious work on the LapTop which was kept on the table. He felt that his work was not upto the mark. Got up from the chair. Opens the mineral water bottle and drinks a little water. Suddenly he sitsinfront of the computer and starts typing as if he recollected an important thing. Behind his chair there is a modern shelf, kept latest dress, costly perfume, powder, behind the shelf there is a mirror.

In the middle of the stage there is a tree with bare branches.

The old man continues to sit in the same position. The young man is lost in his work. Suddenly a loud music is heard. The old man is shocked and covers his abdomen with his hands. The young man looks around as if disturbed by a foul smell. His searching look finally rests on his old father. He then takes the walking stick and seraches with it for the source of the foul smell. The old man tries to push away the stick.But the young man persists. He finally locates the piece of wet cloth dripping urine from under his fathers thighs.

He then angrily talks to his father loudly.)

Son: How many times have I told you to use the toilet? (throws the cloth out and kept back

the stick)

Father: I didn’t do it deliberately. It happened unknowingly.

Son: No, you did it on purpose. You are trying to disturb me.

Father: My son why would I want to put you in trouble? I have become too weak.

Son: What weakness... the whole night you were dreaming and celebrating , while I am trying to make money sitting for 24 hrs before this computer surrounded by the stench of urine and phlegm. It is too much. Look here let me make it clear to you, better stop all this childishness right now. I don’t want to waste my time looking after you. Father: My son I didn’t realise the movement of wheel of time. I want to hold you in my heart always but you don’t value it, you don’t want this old man in your life Son: Who wants the past and people of the past; this is the age when people find their life partners through Face book. Who is going to look at the bullock cart in this age? (again he is busy with his work)

Father: Yes, yes... but you believe there were several lives moving in the wheels of time like a

bullock cart. As my days moved on the path of life, your mother entered my life not

through the way you said. NO...your mother.... (MUSIC)

The old man recollecting his past. MUSIC CONTINUES....

Suddenly his eyes fall on the old black and white photo kept in the shelf. In the old photograph one can see the faded images of a young couple and their child. The old man very affectionately takes the photograph, wipes away the dust and holds it closely to his chest. Keeps the photograph back and moves to the centre of the stage with a bedsheet rolled in the form of a baby and when he gently rocks it the bedsheet falls from his hand. Suddenly he becomes aware of his surroundings and moves back slowly to his place watching the activities of his son.

The volume of MUSIC increases in the background. He notices the expression of happiness on his son’s face. As if he had achieved something. He gets up from his place calls his friend over the phone and then goes back to his work.the old man quietly covers himself with a bedsheet and lies down on the cot.

The servant comes in. He goes close to the sleeping old man and then moves inside. He starts sweeping the room. He calls the old man.

Servant: Sir... sir... Menon sir. Do you know what the time is.....its 10:10

Father: You have gone for two days and finally you are back.

Servant: Yes sir. It has been two days ....I was with my father who was suffering from chest

pain and was hospitalised for 2 days...... oh!!! You have wetted your cloths right.

Father: You and your father are extremely lucky... I am jealous of you.

Servant: Why should you be jealous? You too have a sweet son?

Father: Yes but he doesn’t want me and my past. I am a burden to him

Son: Hey stop there. You are paid for working and not for talking and money doesn’t come

easily...come. Here, look at this computer I am going to get lakhs for my hard work.

Because of this I am going to host a party for my friends. Take this list and arrange it

in the evening.

(The servant takes the list and goes outside. By the time the son’s friend Wilson enters)

Son: Hai Wilson, Iam waiting for you.

Wilson: Sree, I was very happy to receive your call. How long you have been working for it!

Atlast you have won and got lakhs.

Son: Its not only my efforts, its yours too.

Wilson: It’s all yours. Now tell when and where is the party?

Son: Planning to conduct here.

Wilson: (Looking at the father) I don’t have any problem. But I am not sure about others...

Son: I can understand. We can conduct the party in the Taj.

Wilson: That’s a good idea.

Son: Then OK. Please inform everyone. See you in the evening.(Again sat at the computer)

(The son receives a phone call. Obviously, it is about the party. Then he gets up to get ready for the party. Western MUSIC in the background. The son comes from inside wiping his head with the towel. Standing infront of the mirror he uses a variety of cosmetics an went out without saying anything to the father.)

The father slowly gets up, goes to the computer and slowly touches it. But suddenly he pulls back as if he had received a shock. Then he goes to the son’s shelf and looks closely at all the containers. The western music continues to come from out side... he slowly moves to this shelf and switches on the RADIO. In the background the SONG SOJA RAJAKUMARI is heard. The song slowly fades into the background. The old man goes back to the cot and sits on it. At the same time the son walks in with unsteady steps.)

NEXT DAY MORNING (MUSIC) The son at the computer and the old man reads something. From somewhere a sound of a nightingale is heard. The old man looks in that direction

Father: What is that?

Son: It’s a nightingale.

(The nightingale is heard again)

Father: What is that?

Son: Did I not tell you that it is a nightingale just now.

(The nightingale is heard again)

Father: What is that?

Son: How many times should I tell you that it is a nightingale... (gets up angrily, pushing his

chair back and rushes towards his) if you ask again...

The father does not reply. He gets up slowly and goes to the shelf. He takes out an old dust laden diary. He brushes away the dust, searches for a page, finds it and then asks his son to read it. The son reads silently

Father: Read loudly

The recording in the father’s voice is heard in the background.

Recorded Version: 1995 January 3rd. This is one of the happiest days in my life. My son is three years old. After his birthday party I took him to the garden outside. We heard a nightingale. My son asked me what is it? I answered that it was a nightingale. He repeated the question 21 times. I answered 21 times kissing him on his forehead affectionately. When I saw the innocent smile spread on his face I decided that I was the happiest father on earth.

After hearing the recorded version he moves towards the centre of the stage and stands facing the audience. He slowly kneels down and burst out crying. Father slowly goes and stands behind him. Then slowly extends his hand as if to touch him. But takes back his hand as if burnt. He pulls apart his shirt breaking the buttons. Removes it and throws it away. Next he unties his DOTHI and covers himself with it. Goes and stands behind the tree and covers the branches with his dothi. All of a sudden the tree bursts into flames.

Son: father... father... (cries out. Then he took the earthen pot containing water and goes round the tree thrice and pours the water on himself. Then goes behind the tree.

Now the son as an old man is seen on the stage seated at the same place of his father. His son occupies the place at the computer where he had sat years before.

(The nightingale is heard in the background.)

The son to his son: What is it?

Son: (affectionately) Dad it’s a nightingale

(After sometime the nightingale is heard again)

The son to his son: What is it?

(The son slowly gets up from his work, goes to his father, hold him affectionately, pointing towards the different articles, tells him their name)

MUSIC continues... curtain slowly falls... ****************************************************************

MADHUSOODANAN M TGT SST KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PAYYANUR (Ernakulam Region) EDAT. P.O, KANNUR Dist. KERALA PIN CODE : 670327 Mob. Number : 8547241161 E–Mail : [email protected] [email protected]

Blog- www.vestigo2020.wordpress.com

ELIXIR

Madhusoodanan M TGT SST KV Payyanur

As the curtain goes up…

Left side of the stage, cut out of an old house. Right side, cut out of a big tree. Background …. Pleasant music…… Chinnu is seen dancing and singing round the tree talking to it, pouring water, swinging on one of its branches and when tired goes to sleep in its shade.

A girl child is seen sleeping on a bench (Background music)

Suddenly she gets up terrified perhaps after seeing a nightmare.

Chinnu: Tree, my tree, please…. please don’t cut my tree.

(Mother comes running)

Mother: Oh ! Chinnu, what happened?

Chinnu: Mother I had a terrible nightmare.

(Crying and hugging the Mother)

Mother: Don’t sleep here all alone. Come inside my child.

(Father enters. He was talking over the phone.)

Father: I don’t want the tree right in front of my house. It blocks the view. The leaves keep falling down and the birds make too much of noise.

Chinnu: Father what are you saying? I don’t want you to cut my tree.

Father: I’ve already given the orders. The woodcutters will come any moment.

Chinnu: Father please…..what about the shade? What about the fresh air? Where will I play? Where will I swing if you cut down my tree?

Father: Don’t trouble me. Get ready to go to school.

Chinnu: No, I will not.

Father: Don’t disturb me silly girl. (He pushes her. She runs out and hugs the tree)

Chinnu: Dear father look at my lovely tree.

See the butterflies fluttering.

Look at the squirrels flitting

Listen to the birds singing 32

Taste the golden mangoes

Enjoy the cool dark shades

Father, dear father, don’t cut my tree.

(The father drags the child back into the house. She is very disturbed, father goes out. When he comes back the mother rushes to him.)

Mother: Chinnu has not eaten anything. She refuses to go to school. I think she

has fever.

Father: What happened? Let me see. (He goes to see his daughter)Anyway the woodcutters will reach here soon.

(The woodcutters reach)

Father : Oh you’ve come. I will show you the tree.

(Goes near the tree, the woodcutters go near the tree and measure it)

(The woodcutter takes axe and strikes the tree)

(Chinnu comes running from inside and hugs the tree crying loudly)

Chinnu: Don’t cut my tree. Oh! please don’t cut my tree. I won’t allow you

(The woodcutters look at each other and then look at the Father)

(The father pulls Chinnu and drags her inside)

Father: (to the woodcutters) You continue your work.

(The woodcutters stand there confused. Chinnu starts screaming)

Chinnu: My tree! My tree! (Tries to free herself) My teacher told me not to cut trees and we should protect trees.

Father: Now I know who is the root cause of the problem. Let me talk to the teacher.

(The teacher and the children enter the stage)

Father: Oh you have come. Because of your teaching, this girl is not allowing me to cut the tree. I need its wood for construction.

Teacher: Mr. Ram, there are so many alternative materials for construction. Why don’t you try them?

Father: You don’t teach me all those. It’s my tree and I will cut it. 33

Teacher: See Mr. Ram it has been your companion for so many years. It has selflessly served you. It has not harmed you anyway. Your daughter has developed a close relation with it. But you are ready to kill it. Why Mr. Ram? Just recollect, just recollect your childhood.

(Flashback – Father and Mother are seen rocking the cradle with the child in it. (Music) They exit.)

Chinnu: Teacher, teacher please tell my father not to cut it. This is my

friend, my educator, and the life source. Teacher please…

(Teacher and other children look at Ram)

Father: Teacher, I realise my mistake. I will not cut it, I will protect it.

(Chinnu hugs her Father. The other children hold hands and move round the tree jumping with joy …. Pleasant music)

****************************************************************

MADHUSOODANAN M TGT SST KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PAYYANUR (Ernakulam Region) EDAT. P.O, KANNUR Dist. KERALA PIN CODE : 670327 Mob. Number : 8547241161 E–Mail : [email protected] [email protected]

Blog- www.vestigo2020.wordpress.com