On stage, a one-man mission against drug abuse

A quiet but determined campaign against growing drug menace is unfolding at Varavoor village in Thrissur district. Ratheesh Varavoor, a social activist and theatre enthusiast, has taken up mono act as a medium to reach out to young minds and alert communities to the growing dangers of substance use.

Ratheesh’s act revolves around the story of a schoolboy who falls into the clutches of drug peddlers. Through gripping narrative and emotive performance, he illustrates the devastating effects of substance abuse. His message is direct and consistent: drugs destroy lives.

“Drug abuse is not confined to any one group. Even schoolchildren are now being targeted by traffickers using disguised products like candy,” Ratheesh says. “The impact is severe — individuals lose their way, families break down, and communities are left to deal with the aftermath.”

What began in 2022 as a short five-minute act at ‘Keralolsavam’ has since evolved into a 45-minute performance. Encouraged by early feedback, Ratheesh developed his act into a powerful visual and emotional experience.

Venues galore

His performances have since found space in schools, colleges, libraries, junctions, and cultural venues across Kerala and beyond — including cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Chennai. He collaborates with various organisations, lending his art to awareness campaigns.

Apart from being a performer, Ratheesh is also a playwright and dubbing artiste. His efforts have earned him recognition from several national and international record books, along with awards from cultural and social organisations. But for Ratheesh, it is not the accolades that drive him — it is the hope that one performance might help change a life.