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Art Renaissance at JTPAC
What you see — JTPAC at Choice House, Kumbalam, Cochin is a 700-seater auditorium with lighting and acoustics facilities by international production design and technology experts. JTPAC frequently conducts music concerts and plays by popular artists—recent shows include Usha Uthup, Colonial Cousins, Paresh Rawal’s Shaadi@Barbaadi.com, Malayalam rock band Avial, actress Shobana’s dance drama Maya Ravan, and many more. In addition, the JTPAC community is involved in a range of art-promoting activities. The auditorium was started in April 2009.
What you get — Jose Thomas Performing Arts Centre or JTPAC as it is fondly called was a coming together of a common idea – an idea that was born out of the need for a cultural hub, which preserves, sustains, propagates and nurtures the performing arts traditions of India and the world. Jose Thomas, Chairman of Choice Group and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, the visionaries behind JTPAC, dreamed of an art ecosystem that would bring together a cross-section of audience as well as attract the next generation into appreciating the country’s performing arts tradition.
Every few weeks, JTPAC organizes music concerts and plays by well-known artists. In a short span of time since its inception, JTPAC has brought together artists from different genres to ensure that an assortment of people convene at this cultural hub and encourage diverse art forms. JTPAC has pulled in maestros from classical and fusion music, theatre and dance to make certain that the art community at JTPAC is not known for just one genre of performing arts. In fact, it has developed a mixed bag character.
In addition, the JTPAC community is coming up with its own productions and symphony orchestra. There are plans to open an exclusive art gallery at JTPAC apart from a digital archive of performing arts. Mega production of Nala Damayanthi and a Broadway-style show of critically acclaimed Malayalam  movie, Chemmeen are in the pipeline. There is also an arrangement to offer scholarships to students with special interest in arts and fellowships for artists.
Though situated on the outskirts of the city, getting to JTPAC is easy since it is located at the famous Choice House. The staff is quick to assist in everything from parking to finding your seat. There is ample parking available.
Our verdict — The JTPAC auditorium is a tech-wonder, thanks to its ultra-modern acoustics and lighting. From the sound to the lighting and the communication system, JTPAC is way ahead of any auditorium in the state. Watching a performance at this auditorium is a mesmerizing experience. The ushers are very polite and helpful. The rates for shows are on the higher end, starting at Rs. 500 for the seats farthest from the stage. There is a coffee and snacks counter at the theatre, which caters to guests during intervals. JTPAC is a great place to spend an intellectual or fun evening with a likeminded gathering of people.
By Nina Nair
What you see — JTPAC at Choice House, Kumbalam, Cochin is a 700-seater auditorium with lighting and acoustics facilities by international production design and technology experts. JTPAC frequently conducts music concerts and plays by popular artists—recent shows include Usha Uthup, Colonial Cousins, Paresh Rawal’s Shaadi@Barbaadi.com, Malayalam rock band Avial, actress Shobana’s dance drama Maya Ravan, and many more. In addition, the JTPAC community is involved in a range of art-promoting activities. The auditorium was started in April 2009.
What you get — Jose Thomas Performing Arts Centre or JTPAC as it is fondly called was a coming together of a common idea – an idea that was born out of the need for a cultural hub, which preserves, sustains, propagates and nurtures the performing arts traditions of India and the world. Jose Thomas, Chairman of Choice Group and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, the visionaries behind JTPAC, dreamed of an art ecosystem that would bring together a cross-section of audience as well as attract the next generation into appreciating the country’s performing arts tradition.
Every few weeks, JTPAC organizes music concerts and plays by well-known artists. In a short span of time since its inception, JTPAC has brought together artists from different genres to ensure that an assortment of people convene at this cultural hub and encourage diverse art forms. JTPAC has pulled in maestros from classical and fusion music, theatre and dance to make certain that the art community at JTPAC is not known for just one genre of performing arts. In fact, it has developed a mixed bag character.
In addition, the JTPAC community is coming up with its own productions and symphony orchestra. There are plans to open an exclusive art gallery at JTPAC apart from a digital archive of performing arts. Mega production of Nala Damayanthi and a Broadway-style show of critically acclaimed Malayalam movie, Chemmeen are in the pipeline. There is also an arrangement to offer scholarships to students with special interest in arts and fellowships for artists.
Though situated on the outskirts of the city, getting to JTPAC is easy since it is located at the famous Choice House. The staff is quick to assist in everything from parking to finding your seat. There is ample parking available.
Our verdict — The JTPAC auditorium is a tech-wonder, thanks to its ultra-modern acoustics and lighting. From the sound to the lighting and the communication system, JTPAC is way ahead of any auditorium in the state. Watching a performance at this auditorium is a mesmerizing experience. The ushers are very polite and helpful. The rates for shows are on the higher end, starting at Rs. 500 for the seats farthest from the stage. There is a coffee and snacks counter at the theatre, which caters to guests during intervals. JTPAC is a great place to spend an intellectual or fun evening with a likeminded gathering of people.
By Nina Nair
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