G. Sankara Pillai Biography 
Professor G. Sankara Pillai is considered the father of modern theatre in Kerala. He was a playwright, critic, and director known for experimenting with various methods of stage shows. He is one of the leading names Malayalam has given to Indian literature most notably in the playwright section. His symbolist works were instrumental in defining modern Malayalam theatre. He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1964 for the work Rail Palangal and won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Theatre-Playwriting in 1979. He started Nataka Kalari movement in 1967, one of the realistic literal movements in modern Kerala drama. Many prominent Malayalam playwrights have become part of this movement. Noted playwright and play director, Vayala Vasudevan Pillai regards Sankara Pillai as his guru and mentor. Sankara Pillai has played a significant role in grooming his career.
G. Sankara Pillai was born on 22 June 1930 at Nalthattuvila in Chirayinkeezhu of Thiruvananthapuram as the son of Ottaveettil V. Gopala Pillai and Muttaykkal Kamalakshi Amma. His schooling was done at different places of Thiruvananthapuram district. In 1952 he passed with first rank an honours degree in Malayalam literature. After a short period working as a teacher he joined Kerala Sahitya Akademi for a research in Kerala's folk music. Throughout 1960’s, he worked in different organizations before starting Nataka Kalari Movement in 1967. It was influential in the setting up of School of Drama, Thrissur and Pillai served as its first director.
He was an Executive Member of National School of Drama and has also served as the Director at the School of Letters of Mahatma Gandhi University. Snehadoothan (1953) was his first published work. Pushpakireedam, Gurudakshina, Nizhal, Orukoottam Urumbukal, Thamara and Maddalangal are his major works.
Published: N/A
Updated: March 06, 2014
