On 10th October I had the opportunity to witness a performance of “Vikramathitthan Kathai” by De Vriksha. Ms. G Sreedevi, a disciple of Na Muthuswami had directed it. The cast was a group of youngsters (all male) who were first-time on-stage actors with a passion for theatre.
The play was highly interactive with the Kattiyakkaran connecting the audience to the actors. This role was portrayed with élan and grace by the actor who played it. We could see the amount of practice which had gone into the miming, movements, acrobatics and gestures.
Koothu-P-Pattarai plays are very subtle and use different vehicles to get the message across to the audience. I could see very little of it here. For example, the Kattiyakkaran was dressed in jeans, T-shirt and hat. This could have been further explored. Why not Vikaramadhityan and Patti also be in modern dress. After all the characters were liberal in using twentieth century devices like cell phones.
The artist who played Vikram was stiff. The role could have been done with more friendliness and humor, especially when Vikram refuses to cut his own head as a sacrifice to Kali.
The play was entertaining and absorbing. The acting by and large was above average. But it lacked social comment which is a hall mark of Koothu-p-pattarai. But the goal was to show case talent. In this they had succeded!
I was asked to speak after the play. I praised the artists and also quoted a poem from Mahakavi Bharathiyar. This drew an instantaneous and spontaneous applause. Tamil audiences are dialogue-bound and respond well to the spoken word.
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