The Tamil Drama festival organised by the Athipathi Theatre is set to kick off on July 19. Connected to India got a chance to speak to the amazing directors of the plays and see what they had to offer for this great event!
Yesha – Siddar42 [சித்தர்42]
First up is Yesha. Balancing her O levels with her passion to act and direct, Yesha brings to you her directorial debut, Siddar42! She has also acted in amazing plays like KOSA, Muttrupuli, Thenali to name a few.
Connected to India (CtoI): What should we watch out for in your production?
Yesha: In this production, you can expect to get a glimpse of how the world would be like if humans destroyed the environment and themselves through war. The future might not always be set in stone but the consequences of our negligent actions today would always change it for the worse. The play allows the audience to reflect on their actions in the present and feel a sense of rejuvenation that mistakes can always be corrected and changed for the better.
CtoI: The theme is science fiction and it aims to attract the younger audiences, what unique message do you want your play to convey?
Yesha: What I would want the younger generation to take away from this play is to not take what we have for granted. Earth is the only planet for mankind survival and we so dearly hope that nothing happens to it. However, this could all change by our greed and anger. We should make use of whatever knowledge that we have received to preserve the earth for the many more generations to come. Knowledge is power and we should use it wisely. Let's all learn to use what we have to safeguard Earth for a long long time to come without forgetting the fact that we will not be the last of our kind to reside on Earth.’’ From the play, there are many aspects of comedy, thriller and suspense but also with a pinch of sorrow and anger from the perspective of the future generation that will inherit the earth after us. The character's emotions would attract audience attention and would make them feel for these generations to come.
Yoghini – Humanoid Child in the Orphanage [மின்னனுவன்]
Next, we spoke to the director of Minannuvan, Yoghini. The amazing 25 years old working adult has been in Athipathi for over four years, excelling as an actor, costume designer and director. Some of the plays she has acted in include Kaliyuam, Aduku Veethu Annasamy, Idea Ayahkannu, Athipathi, Sang Nila Utama.
CtoI: What should we watch out for in your production?
Yoghini: Minnunuvan is about the reality of what happens if robots start to conquer the world and mix together with humans. There will be disagreements between two sides, one side supporting robots and the other side who disagrees. There will be also a group of human who wants to be robots. Watch out who are supporting for which side in my production. What will happen!!! Will robots win or humans win!!??
Saravanan Shanmugam – Organ of Thought of AI [அந்தரிந்திரியம்]
The multi-talented director Saravanan Shanmugam is not only an actor but an amazing scriptwriter. He is currently studying at the National University of Singapore. Saravanan also does freelance emceeing in various Tamil community events, equipped with the skills and techniques that theatre has taught him. His flair for the language continues to make him strive towards delivering it to the masses in a fun and enjoyable manner.
CtoI: What should we watch out for in your production?
Saravanan: As a subtle presence in our everyday lives, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has slowly but surely invaded its roots into our society. What happens when we grant this seemingly docile piece of technology the freedom to shape our thoughts? Indulge in an imaginative futuristic setting blended with quirkiness and comedy, as we explore the possible motives which AI may adopt in “serving” humans’ selfish interests.
CtoI: The theme is science fiction and it aims to attract the younger audiences, what unique message do you want your play to convey?
Saravanan: Selfishness is an innate human characteristic which influences our thoughts, action and behaviour. When we develop technology to think and act like humans, can we expect it to pick up on our selfish traits too?
G Gajenthiran – Why is the Moon missing? [நிலவை காணோம்]
A Nitec graduate in Electronics, G Gajenthiran started theatre in 2011. He has continued his theatre passion and has written and directed three plays which include, Gold with honours award winner (SYF) Kehlvikuri and Silver award winning Muttrupulli alongside Yengae Payanam. He has not only acted, but stage managed and set designed for the Athipathi International Theatre. He also runs a Urumee musical group and performs with them.
CtoI: What should we watch out for in your production?
G Gajenthiran: It’s is a short story of award-winning writer Maathangi and this is the first time her work is being dramatized. Furthermore, it’s filled with knowledgeable pieces of information to bring back home. Next is the wonderful costume designed for the alien by our own costume designer-Yoghini
CtoI: The theme is science fiction and it aims to attract the younger audiences, what unique message do you want your play to convey?
G Gajenthiran: When it comes to science fiction there are various aspects that you can explore from aliens to small experiments. Aliens have always been a key factor for attracting younger audiences so as for the play I m directing it’s going to be on aliens which comes to earth in different forms to seek permission from various ‘earthlings’ on taking away the moon from the solar system.
Through this play, the messages conveyed with a touch of comedy will be how one person always see a lot of things for their own benefit and claim to be nature lover or someone who does a good deed but there is more to what it really means. Also how one treats one another or the land of another man. For more messages with laughter do come and catch the play.