Honour killing and power politics were the themes of two plays presented by the Pugiri Arangattam theatre group of Coimbatore as part of the Bishop Heber College’s 2-day Tamil ‘Muthamizh Vizha’ literary festival recently.
The event, organised by the college’s Department of Tamil provided a platform for drama, music and oratory. The plays ‘Pethavan’ (The Begetter) and ‘Naarkali’ (Chair) were performed on Saturday, with a cast of 11 students under the direction of L. Ramraj, Associate Professor, Department of Tamil at the PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore.
Adapted from a 2015 short story by Imayam, ‘Pethavan’ talks about the bitterness and violence that results from an inter-caste relationship. Pugiri’s version started with a sombre procession of the lead prayers from behind the audience, followed by a slow unfolding of the filicide being proposed by the village elders and neighbours. Village belle Bhakiyam has fallen in love with a Dalit, and the Panchayat leader declares that the only way to avenge the transgression is for her father Pazhani to kill her. But can a father wilfully murder his own child? The climactic scene left a lasting impact on the young audience as Bhakiyam asks the public on why no woman can ever decide her life for herself.
In ‘Naarkali’, an adaptation of stories by alternative theatre legend Na. Muthuswamy, a chair becomes a symbol of not just social and familial hierarchies, but also, a subtle dig at the jostling for power that takes place in any political situation. In contrast to the first play, ‘Naarkali’ (with Dr. Ramraj in the lead) had a strong comedic element that kept the audience engaged throughout.
The skillful narration, that relied on techniques from street theatre and folk traditions, was aided significantly by live music, even though the inadequate height of the makeshift stage limited viewing from a distance.
On Monday, G. Geetha, Principal, Thiru Vi. Kaa Government Arts College, Thiruvarur, spoke on Tamil literature of the past and present.
This was followed by a ‘Pattimandram’ (debating forum) on whether affection or intelligence made mankind happy, mediated by M. Ramachandran of Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi.
Music and dance items were presented by students and staff of Bishop Heber College as well.
