INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL OF KERALA : Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, a cultural wing of Govt. of Kerala, which co-ordinates and promotes traditional as well as modern art forms of the state was set up in 1958 by EMS Nambuthiripad, the first Communist-Marxist Chief Minister of Kerala and inaugurated by Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. This Academy for Music and Drama, Synonymous as KSNA, is presently functioning under the Department of Culture, Govt of Kerala. The first ever edition of the International Theatre Festival of Kerala was held in 2008 under the insightful leadership of our former Chairman Bharath Murali. With the second edition focusing on Afro-Asian Theatre Panorama, another dream of late Bharath Murali's coming to fruition. This is now proving to be a meaningful platform for theatre practitioners from accross the world. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi welcomes you all to be part of ITFoK'09.

AFRO-ASIAN THEATRE PANORAMA : The second edition of the International Theatre Festival of Kerala showcases Afro Asian Theatre. Apart from theatre from South Africa and Kenya, Pakistan and India are there from Asia in ITFOK-09. Ajoka Theatre from Pakisthan is participating for the second consecutive year. ITFOK09 will begin with its inaugural function on 20th December and will last for ten long days at Thrissur in Kerala. Over the years we have developed greater interest in the tradition of Africa and the challenges it faces, as they are powerfully delineated in the writings of many a great writers from African background. In the post colonial and post industrial society, we are passing through crisis at different levels. In this scenario theatres are powerful reflections of our times. ITFOK'09 will provide a platform for addressing Afro-Asian cultural diversities through the powerful medium of theatre. Performance representing the participating countries has great relevance in the modern times while reflecting a strong cultural heritage inimitable to the countries they hail from.