Get ready to dance with celebs against fascism

Just like in every other field, protests and strikes too seem to be getting a new gen make over.
Next up, Kochi will witness a group — People Against Fascism — singing, dancing, painting, staging plays and walking, to protest against the rising intolerance in the country. The idea was conceived by activist Lasar Shine and wife Maya, who sounded it out with friends from various fields —writers, singers, activists and film stars among them.
The two-day event will be held in Kochi, on December 19 and 20. There will be a freedom walk on the 19th from the Rajendra Maidanam and a group dance at the same venue on the 20th. Actress Rima Kallingal who will be heading the dance protest, titled ‘Ellarum Aadanu,’ says, “Anyone can join in the one-minute dance sequence, which has already been choreographed. The steps are so easy that every one can take part in it. We have put up the dance video on my social media page so that all those who want to join in can get an idea of the steps.” Ace music director Bijibal has composed the music for the dance sequence. Other actors who will be part of the novel protest include actors Mythili, Anushree, Srinda and Muthumani among others.
Rima, who was invited by Lasar, says that she was attracted to the idea as soon as she was told of it. “I am not good at talking and dance has always been my way of expression. People dance when they are happy, sad, there are even communities who dance during death rituals. So why not dance as protest? Just like a music concert unites all those who play the different instruments, dance will unite all those who take part in it,” she says.
The dance will be followed by a meeting at the Ernakulam Town Hall. “It will be more of a cultural festival. The world over, protests have taken on artistic and cultural forms, as against the traditional idea of violence,” says Lasar, while adding that he is not planning for a protest with a specific leadership. “I invite each person to showcase their art, our only aim is to view a person as a human being, and break the boundaries of caste, religion, gender and sexual orientation.”
Tamil writer Leena Manimekhala, Malayalam writers Anand and Sachidanandan, Idakka artiste Njaralathu Harigovindan, Adivasi leader C K Janu and poet Anwar Ali are some of the guests invited for the event, which will have nadan pattu, porattu natakam, on-the-spot art and a protest against ‘food fascism’, among other programmes. The protest will end with a ghazal performance by Shahabaz Aman.