Thiruvananthapuram artist community bears the brunt of COVID-19 restrictions – Reuters

Express press service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With new restrictions imposed by the government amid the rampant spread of COVID, including the Omicron variant, the performing and performing arts community is once again looking to an uncertain future.

Although the affected sections have had a break during the interim period following the second wave of COVID, the latest outbreak, raging like wildfire, has cut the wind from the sails of the community.

Understandably, the artist community is angered by the apparent double standard from the authorities – there are no restrictions on party attendance, entry to cinemas and shopping malls – while cultural programs are face strict restrictions.

Culture czar and creative artist ‘Soorya’ Krishnamoorthy, pioneer of the historic Surya festival — the state’s biggest cultural spectacle — has canceled the latest edition of the prestigious 28-day festival this year and warned the ‘powers to be’ versus double standards.

He also released a scathing statement lamenting the current plight of performing artists. “Up to 70 artists have received financial assistance from us during the lockdown to overcome the crisis. If the government does not take proactive action to address concerns, then I will lead the protest and we will take to the streets,” he said.

Cultural activist RS Ajith said that with hardly any venues available for artists these days to showcase their talents, their artistic morale has also been halted.

“The law must be the same for everyone. Performing artists are the most affected and they have been unemployed for two years. The artist community is frustrated and depressed. artistic morale too,” Ajith said.

“In the new normal, many festival committee members wonder if performance arts were essential to festivals. Besides performing arts, they wonder why other arts such as theater need to be brought in. And that is a scary scenario,” he said. added.

Hire Goods and Owners’ Association state general secretary TV Balan said the only way forward is to grant permission to conduct programs adhering to the COVID protocol. The association has over 12,000 members and the sector employs 14,000 people.

“They all lost their jobs during the lockdown. What we can’t understand is the double standard. cancelled,” he said. . The disuse due to the lockdown has damaged several pieces of equipment, Balan said.

“The loss is crippling. Sound boxes, generators, curtains, etc., if not used, become useless and deteriorate over time. has suffered a monumental loss. If the situation continues like this, many will be forced to take drastic measures,” he said.

Drastic measures

Artist community angered that there are no restrictions on party attendance, entry to cinemas and shopping malls – while cultural programs face tough restrictions

‘Soorya’ Krishnamoorthy has canceled the last edition of the Surya Festival which lasted 28 days this year. He says that if the government does not take proactive action to address concerns, artists will be forced to take to the streets