Ban demanded on play “insulting” Catholic monastic life

By Matters India Reporter

Kochi, March 13, 2023: Catholic bishops of the southern Indian state of Kerala have demanded a ban on a stage show that they say insults Catholic monastic life and Christianity.

“The communist organizations are giving huge publicity for the drama,’’ says a statement issued by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), referring to the Malayalam play, “Kakkukali” that describes the alleged trials and tribulations of a woman who becomes a nun despite her Communist father’s opposition.

However, those behind the drama term it as an expression of freedom. The drama is an adaptation of a short story written by Francis Norona. It was scripted by K B Ajayakumar and directed by Job Madathil.

It was staged by Alappuzha-based Neythal Nataka Sangham.

KCBC president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis condemned the drama saying it was against the cultural fabric of Kerala and staging it was a blot on the culture of the state.

The statement issued by KCBC deputy secretary Jacob Palakkapilly says the play insults the self-respect and confidence of nuns, and has been included in the state government’s international drama fest.

But, the play director Madathil said that by now they have already staged it at 15 places and that the drama will go ahead as planned.

The trouble began when opposition came from the Pro Life group under the bishops’ council revolted when the play was to be staged at Guruvayoor Municipality’s cultural event in Thrissur. However, the All India Youth Federation (AIYF), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI), has supported the play. They have promised to support the play if its people want to stage it at Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala.

Meanwhile a circular against the controversial play was read at the 275-odd parishes of the archdiocese of Trichur during the Sunday Mass on March 12.

The circular was signed by vicar general Monsignor Jose Vallooran.

“The play wrongly portrays the convents as centers where nuns are made to work as slaves and abused. This is part of a growing trend to denigrate the Christian faith and the institutions run by the Church,” the circular says.

Various parishes on March 12 organized different forms of protests. The vicar general has urged parish priests to ensure maximum number of faithful at a protest march planned to the Thrissur collectorate on March 13.

The circular regrets that the play was showcased at the recent International Theatre Festival of Kerala organized by the state’s Marxist-led government. The state minister for cultural affairs, who attended the function, hailed the play and those behind it.

The play was subsequently staged at the ‘sargolsavam’ cultural program of Guruvayur municipality.

“The attempts to portray the belief systems and ritualistic practices of a religious community by spending funds from government coffers should be objected vehemently,” asserts the circular.