Why staging of a play on Snehalatha Reddy’s ordeal has sparked battle on Emergency, morality and artistic freedom in Keralam
While critics of MISA have accused the production of obscenity, objecting to certain intense and costume choices, the play’s cast, cultural figures and DYFI leaders have defended it as a powerful portrayal of 'state terror and political repression’
The staging of a play titled MISA, which recounts the ordeal of activist and artist Snehalatha Reddy during India's Emergency period, has sparked a heated debate in Keralam. The play, performed by Chilanka Floating Theatre at the DYFI State Conference in Thrissur, has been criticized for its intense and realistic scenes, as well as certain costume choices, leading to accusations of obscenity.
However, the cast, cultural figures, and DYFI leaders have defended the play as a powerful portrayal of "state terror and political repression." Snehalatha Reddy, who was a noted actor, producer, and activist during the Emergency, endured eight months under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and died just five days after her release in 1977.
The play's director, Chinnoos Chilanka, has responded to the controversy by stating that the purpose of the play has been achieved and that it has reached its intended audience.
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