Kattaikkuttu Sangam opens doorways for Diploma in Tamil theatre�

It’s best identified for its Kalai Thiru Vizhaa, the place theatre troupes throughout the nation carry out alongside its personal Kattaikkuttu crew.

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Within the quiet village of Punjarasanthangal in Kancheepuram district, the Kattaikkuttu Sangam has been conserving the flame of Tamil heritage theatre alive for many years.

Finest identified for its Kalai Thiru Vizhaa, the place theatre troupes throughout the nation carry out alongside its personal Kattaikkuttu crew, the Sangam is popping a brand new chapter by introducing its first ever Diploma in Kattaikkuttu.

The founders, P. Rajagopal and Hanne M. de Bruin, who’ve been working Kattaikkuttu Sangam for the reason that ‘90s, say this has been a very long time coming. “There is no such thing as a official establishment the place you possibly can practice as a Koothu actor in Tamil Nadu, and in relation to rural girls performers, the chances are stacked in opposition to them due to societal and household pressures. However girls must discover a place to coach and a voice on stage,” says Ms. Hanne, including that making Tamil theatre accessible was the necessity of the hour.

The diploma course begins on October 2, 2025, and contains ten months of immersive theatre coaching. College students will finish the course with a presentation, two all-night performances, and one shorter play, every an opportunity to place their abilities to the take a look at. For the reason that theatre kind hopes to achieve the palms of the youthful era, the doorways are open to anybody 18 years of age, and above.

Whereas prior theatre expertise is a feather within the cap, it isn’t obligatory. “There can be seven hours of immersive workshops day-after-day,” says Mr. Rajagopal, who will even be one of many six academics at their centre — Kuttu Kalai Koodam.

“We are going to cowl the whole lot from taking part in the harmonium to the numerous shifting components of Kattaikkuttu. It’s not straightforward to pigeonhole this Tamil heritage theatre kind; there’s quite a lot of instrumental music, singing, storytelling of Indian epics, costuming and intense ensemble work,” he says.

The founders say this manner is in danger and desires help. “Most mother and father need their kids away from conventional arts akin to Koothu due to the stigma and concern that it results in monetary issues and little respect,” Ms. Hanne says.

“We’ve knocked on the doorways of presidency our bodies for funding and help, however it has not been fruitful to date,” she provides.

Take Bharathi A., a 23-year-old artiste from Okay. Velur. Having grown up within the gurukulam at Kattaikkuttu Sangam, she has seen the highs and lows first-hand. “Many ladies I educated with stopped performing as a result of familial obligations. However for me, this path has opened a number of doorways — I’ve travelled, carried out, and even acquired the Inlaks Theatre Award 2025 and different grants. This diploma course goes to make Tamil theatre lots possible.”