Ala Centre for Culture and Alternative Education is a cultural and creative space located at Mulanthuruthy in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The centre functions as a performance and learning space dedicated to theatre, storytelling, and community cultural activities. The origins of Ala are closely connected with the Meandyou Foundation, a public charitable trust established in 2012 by theatre artist and storyteller Manu Jose. The foundation was created with the vision of using art and theatre as tools for social change and personal development. With more than two decades of experience in theatre, storytelling, and life skills training, Manu Jose envisioned a cultural space where art could be used not only for performance but also for education, reflection, and community engagement. The Ala campus was officially opened in December 2018 as a centre for culture and alternative education. Over the years, it has developed into a community oriented theatre space that engages people through performances, workshops, discussions, and creative learning programmes. During the past years, Ala has conducted more than 200 cultural programmes, including theatre performances, storytelling sessions, music concerts, workshops, film screenings, and public discussions, contributing significantly to the cultural life of the local community.
The organisational structure of Ala is closely connected with the Meandyou Foundation, which provides the administrative and institutional framework for its programmes and activities. The Meandyou Foundation is a public charitable trust established in 2012 with the objective of promoting art, theatre, and cultural learning among children, youth, and adults. Through its initiatives, the foundation encourages creativity, collaboration, and social engagement through artistic practices and cultural dialogue. The centre operates under the creative leadership of Manu Jose, a theatre actor, storyteller, and cultural facilitator who serves as the Creative Director of Ala and the founder of the Meandyou Performing Company. With extensive experience in theatre and applied storytelling, he guides the artistic vision and programme development of the centre. The work and functioning of Ala are guided by a set of core values that include love, trust, sharing, and collaboration, along with a deep respect for diversity, democracy, and pluralism. These principles shape the centre’s approach to cultural practice and community engagement. Through this value based framework, Ala functions not only as a performance venue but also as a community cultural platform where artists, students, and the wider public can come together to engage with art, learning, and creative dialogue.
Ala conducts a wide range of programmes that integrate performing arts, cultural learning, and community engagement. The centre regularly organises artistic events such as theatre performances, storytelling sessions, live music concerts, contemporary dance performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, and public lectures. These activities create opportunities for artists and audiences to come together in a shared cultural environment where artistic expression, dialogue, and creative exchange can take place. Along with cultural events, Ala also conducts several training and educational programmes aimed at personal development and creative learning. One of the important initiatives is LITTIL CIRCLE (Life in Theatre, Theatre in Life), a children’s theatre training programme designed to support the holistic development of children through theatre based learning methods. Another major initiative is ASSET – Ala Student Skill Enhancing Theatre, a school outreach programme through which facilitators visit schools and libraries to conduct storytelling performances and theatre workshops for students. Ala also offers THE FLOOR Acting Programme, a training platform for individuals who wish to explore acting and performance while developing confidence, communication skills, and self awareness. The centre further promotes community participation through a number of cultural initiatives that encourage collective engagement and shared experiences. These include AMUSE – Ala Music Sessions, a community music gathering where participants sing together; PELOTON Cycling Station, which promotes sustainable living and collective cycling culture; SWACHAM, a mindfulness and yoga programme that focuses on physical and mental well being; Passed Pawn Chess Station, which uses chess as a tool to develop logical thinking and resilience; and the Ala Film Collective, a platform for film screenings, discussions, and workshops related to cinema. In addition to these programmes, Ala hosts festivals and special cultural events. One of its major initiatives is FESTA – Festival of Storytelling at Ala, an international storytelling festival that brings together storytellers, artists, and public voices from diverse backgrounds. The festival includes storytelling performances, workshops, and community outreach programmes, and also contributes to the Digital Human Library, a documentation project that records contemporary human stories and lived experiences.