RESEARCH PROGRAMME ON THEATER

“A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.”

- Freidrich Nietzsche

• Took Ph.D. on J.M. Synge’s Dramas. The thesis was titled as ‘Synge’s Plays  as Pieces of Literature and Stage Craft’ and dealt with the roots and developments of continental drama in terms of the contemporary social, cultural and philosophical milieu that paved the way for a unique language of semiotics.  This work received enormous acclaim in the hands of scholars and examiners abroad who have made a mark on theater writing and research.
• The post doctoral research project was carried out with emphasis on the psyche of actors.
• The project on Ford Foundation Scholarship on Traditional Arts was completed for the School of Drama.
• Another elaborate work on Asian drama from the origin to the present was initiated and brought to its conclusion.

GUIDANCE FOR RESEARCH

Provided research guidance for scholars doing doctorate in the university of Kerala, Calicut, and Kerala Kalamandalam on subjects related to folk and classical theater, oriental and occidental drama, and contemporary trends in world theatre, and successfully guided 15 researchers on theater art to their Ph.D.

Was the director of an avant-guarde theater group, ‘Suvarnarekha’ and staged about 40 plays including modern European dramas apart from conducting workshops and seminars on theater within the country and outside.

Presented papers in 17 international theater conferences regarding different aspects of creating and presenting drama.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND POSITIONS

1. Member in the UGC Expert Committee to consider “Deemed University Status” to National School of Drama, New Delhi.
2. Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts, Calicut University.
3. Member, Academic Council – Calicut University.
4. Professor, Assistant Director and Director of School of Drama – Calicut University.
5. Professor of English, Mar Iavnios College – Trivandrum.
6. Member, Fine Arts Faculty – Kerala University.
7. Chairman, Board of Studies in Performing and Visual Arts, Kerala University.
8. Chairman, Board of Studies in Drama, Calicut University.
9. Member, Board of Studies in Drama of Pondicherry Central University.
10. Member, Board of Studies in Drama, Tamil University, Thanjavoor.
11. Vice Chairman, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
12. Chairman, Jury Committee, State Professional Drama Competition held by Kerala Government.
13. Member of academic and professional committees of National School of Drama, UGC, Sangeeth Nataka Akademi and the Department of Culture, Govt. of India.

ADMINISTRATION

Possessed, simultaneously, two decades of administrative experience from overseeing activities in the School of Drama, University Hostel, All India workshops on drama, Faculty of Fine Arts of Calicut, Kerala and M.G. Universities, Calicut University Senate and Academic Council of the University of Kerala.

EXTRACURRICULAR, BUT VITAL INTERESTS

Was engaged in serious Social and Cultural Activities associated with Gandhian Movements and Thoughts, Environmental issues, Educational reforms and International Peace. Headed Gandhian Peace Foundation and worked for promotion of Gandhian way of living for several years.