In a bold reinterpretation of traditional Tamil folk theatre, Thilagavathi Palani is using centuries-old Kattaikoothu to address the pressing issue of climate change. The new production, titled Veppathin Veriyattam,will premiere on Tuesday at Vedavalli Vidyalaya in Ranipet, before touring seven schools in the region, which frequently experiences extreme temperatures.
Palani's approach marks a departure from the typical narratives of Kattaikoothu,which traditionally draws from epic tales like the Mahabharata. Instead of mythical battles,her story confronts invisible adversary: the rising heat that affects the health and livelihoods of people across Tamil Nadu. “When students see performances by children of similar age, connection is stronger,” Palani explains, emphasizing the importance of involving young performers in production.
The troupe consists of 13 members,including five professional artists and five schoolchildren trained by Palani herself. This initiative aims to make the message about climate change more relatable and impactful for younger audiences . The production was developed over six months in collaboration with Asar, a non-governmental organization focused on climate and education.
Palani's journey into Kattaikoothu began in her childhood, where she was introduced to art form by her uncle. As the eldest of five daughters from a lower-income family,she faced significant barriers in a male-dominated field. In 2002, she joined the Kattaikkuttu Gurukulam in Kancheepuram, where she trained under esteemed Kattaikoothu exponent P. Rajagopal. After eight years of rigorous training and a two-year apprenticeship, she emerged as one of first female Kattaikoothu performers, breaking a long-standing gender barrier .
“It gave me confidence,” Palani recalls of her training. Since then, she has expanded the scope of Kattaikoothu, believing that art should serve as catalyst for social change . Her work has included social initiatives with fisherfolk, women,and children,as well as collaboration with Katradi Trust, founded by dancer and social worker Sangeeta Isvaran. Through this network,she was approached by Asar to create a series focused on environmental issues.
Palani challenges the notion that Kattaikoothu is a dying art form,asserting its vibrancy, especially in rural areas during festival seasons. “That’s a misconception, especially in cities,” she states. “Kattaikoothu isn’t a dying art form. It gives voice to dying discourses.” Her conviction is rooted in her observations and experiences,particularly as she learned about the impacts of climate change.
Asar provided her with research on climate change and its effects,which resonated with her personal experiences . She recalled the Arcot-Cheyyar Bypass project,where extensive tree removal led to unbearable heat in her community. tragic miscarriage of her sister added personal dimension to her understanding of climate-related health issues. “I began thinking about how to portray loss and human impact of climate change on stage,” she reflects.
The narrative of Veppathin Veriyattam follows children struggling in overheated classrooms and women cooking in sweltering homes. One character embodies heat itself,a unique perspective that Palani hopes will evoke empathy from the audience. “I wanted people to look at heat from a different perspective,” she explains. “It isn’t the villain by itself. It is what we have done to the environment that has made it this way.”
Through her innovative storytelling,Palani aims not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire action against climate change . Her work exemplifies how traditional art forms can adapt to address contemporary issues, ensuring that Kattaikoothu remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
