The play “Nadapaavaadai” centers on a woman who is forced to conduct burial rites for her entire village after the passing of her family member, who previously performed these duties.
Due to social inequality and prevailing customs, women are rarely permitted to even enter the crematorium. The characters in the play question the lady’s access to the crematorium and her role in carrying out those rituals that are traditionally associated with men.
The charismatic lady performs the rites by taking the center stage, with only men allowed to visit the crematorium. She leads the burial rites in full face of the public – which many would be reluctant to undertake or would not be allowed to do.
“Nadapaavaadai” attempts to initiate an engaging dialogue about her role in diverse social and cultural contexts and its implications. This play has evolved out of a close observation, followed by an extensive ethnographic fieldwork, engaging discussions, and participatory playmaking.
Velippadai Theatre Movement was founded as a community initiative in 2013 to develop deep connection with the lives, sufferings and concerns of the self and others as well, and to inculcate a new awareness in the rural context of Pondicherry about both tradition and modernity. The 15 days Cultural Gathering cum Residential workshop on Theatre-Making and Theatre-Happening titled Cycle Yajna organised by the Movement in 2015 went on to instil a deeper interest for the village people of Kuruvinatham towards theatre while making them realise the rich performance varieties available within their culture and tradition. The Movement conducts theatre workshops, cultural gatherings, environment protection events and acting camps regularly by collaborating global expertise and local knowledge.
With Support from
Artistes
Ramassamy S
Designer & Director
Ramassamy, a committed theatre actor, trainer, and director, has a Master degree in Theatre and Drama from Pondicherry University and professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre Acting from the Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI), Singapore.
He founded the ‘Velippadai Theatre Movement’ in his native village Kuruvinatham (Puducherry) to create a space for innovative and critical thinking among the rural students and youth. He has participated in theatre productions in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.
His directorial plays Iraniyan Allathu Inaiyattra Veeran, Walks Off Life, Nadapaavaadai received much appreciations. He has been the resource person in many national and International Theatre workshops. He presently teaches and conducts theatre workshops all over India upon the invitation of theatre groups and academic institutions.
Tamilarasan S
Theatre Artist
Tamilarasan S is an accomplished theatre artist with 14 years of experience in the field. He has collaborated with numerous renowned directors, honing his craft across various productions. His talent has also extended to the silver screen, where he has acted in several Tamil films, bridging the worlds of stage and cinema.
Manik Subramanian
Actor
Manik Subramnian is a versatile performer with a strong foundation in visual communication. Since completing his bachelor’s degree, he has dedicated the past six years to honing his craft in both stage plays and films. His academic background complements his artistic pursuits, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his performances.
Archana Selvaraja
Theatre Artist
Archana Selvaraja is a rising talent in the theatre world, driven by her passion for the craft. Over the past two years, she has immersed herself in the art form, performing in five theatre productions. Her dedication to acting extends beyond the stage, as she has also garnered valuable experience in both short films and feature-length cinema, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Devi Devadoss
Performing Artist
Devi Devadoss is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly balances her artistic pursuits with a career in technology. As a Bharatanatyam dancer with 15 years of experience, she brings a deep understanding of movement and expression to her work. In the past year, Devi has channelled her passion for performance into theatre, appearing in four plays. Her unique combination of artistic sensibility and technical expertise as a software engineer allows her to approach her roles with both creativity and precision.
Abinaya Jothi
Theatre Practitioner & Movement Artist
Abinaya Jothi is a distinguished theatre practitioner and movement artist from Tamil Nadu, India. Since embarking on her performance career in 2013, she has engaged with diverse audiences across India, addressing critical social and environmental issues. Following her Professional Diploma in Acting from the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore, she has returned to Chennai to excel in acting, directing, and pedagogical roles, dedicated to crafting transformative and innovative theatre experiences.
Suthan S
Light Designer
Suthan S is a theatre lighting designer and actor. He holds a Guinness World Record for directing the world’s longest play, demonstrating his commitment to pushing theatrical boundaries. His experience in both performance and technical aspects of theatre informs his lighting designs.
Suren Sekaran
Musician
Suren Sekaran is a musician, playback singer, and composer. He holds a master’s degree in drama and theatre from Pondicherry University, which enhances his understanding of musical storytelling in theatrical contexts.
N Sathya Sharath
Musican & Performing Artist
N Sathya Sharath is a practitioner of Devarattam and other traditional folk art forms. He teaches Devarattam, Karagattam, Oyilattam, Paraiattam, and Silambam. In theatre, he contributes as a musician, bringing his knowledge of traditional arts to productions.
MR Nethaji
Stage Manager
Nethaji is an actor trained for both stage and screen. He completed an intensive acting course at the National School of Drama, Bengaluru. His experience spans Tamil films and short films, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of production processes.
R Raagul
Technical Manager
Raagul is an actor for screen and stage who trained at Mindscreen Film Institute, Chennai. Over the past two years, he has worked in theatre as both a performer and backstage crew member. His experience includes roles in short films and movies. Outside of theatre, Raagul works as a professor.
நடபாவாடை | Nadapaavaadai
The Woman Who Performs Funeral Rites
Artistes
Date & Time
Categories
Tags
Location
Bangalore, Karnataka 560071 India
Contact
[email protected]Share
60 Minutes | Tamil | Suitable for all ages
The play “Nadapaavaadai” centers on a woman who is forced to conduct burial rites for her entire village after the passing of her family member, who previously performed these duties.
Due to social inequality and prevailing customs, women are rarely permitted to even enter the crematorium. The characters in the play question the lady’s access to the crematorium and her role in carrying out those rituals that are traditionally associated with men.
The charismatic lady performs the rites by taking the center stage, with only men allowed to visit the crematorium. She leads the burial rites in full face of the public – which many would be reluctant to undertake or would not be allowed to do.
“Nadapaavaadai” attempts to initiate an engaging dialogue about her role in diverse social and cultural contexts and its implications. This play has evolved out of a close observation, followed by an extensive ethnographic fieldwork, engaging discussions, and participatory playmaking.
Director’s Note
Credit List
Cast
Manik Subramanian
Archana Selvaraj
Abinaya Jothi
Devi Devadoss
Tamilarasan
Musicians
Suren Sekaran
Sathya Sharath
Light Design: Suthan
Stage Manager: Nethaji
Technical Assistant: Raagul
Design and Direction: Ramassamy S
Supported By: The Perch Collective
Special Thanks: Kumari Amma Rajiv Krishnan
About the Velippadai Theatre Movement:
Velippadai Theatre Movement was founded as a community initiative in 2013 to develop deep connection with the lives, sufferings and concerns of the self and others as well, and to inculcate a new awareness in the rural context of Pondicherry about both tradition and modernity. The 15 days Cultural Gathering cum Residential workshop on Theatre-Making and Theatre-Happening titled Cycle Yajna organised by the Movement in 2015 went on to instil a deeper interest for the village people of Kuruvinatham towards theatre while making them realise the rich performance varieties available within their culture and tradition. The Movement conducts theatre workshops, cultural gatherings, environment protection events and acting camps regularly by collaborating global expertise and local knowledge.
With Support from
Artistes
Ramassamy S
Ramassamy, a committed theatre actor, trainer, and director, has a Master degree in Theatre and Drama from Pondicherry University and professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre Acting from the Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI), Singapore.
He founded the ‘Velippadai Theatre Movement’ in his native village Kuruvinatham (Puducherry) to create a space for innovative and critical thinking among the rural students and youth. He has participated in theatre productions in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.
His directorial plays Iraniyan Allathu Inaiyattra Veeran, Walks Off Life, Nadapaavaadai received much appreciations. He has been the resource person in many national and International Theatre workshops. He presently teaches and conducts theatre workshops all over India upon the invitation of theatre groups and academic institutions.
Tamilarasan S
Tamilarasan S is an accomplished theatre artist with 14 years of experience in the field. He has collaborated with numerous renowned directors, honing his craft across various productions. His talent has also extended to the silver screen, where he has acted in several Tamil films, bridging the worlds of stage and cinema.
Manik Subramanian
Manik Subramnian is a versatile performer with a strong foundation in visual communication. Since completing his bachelor’s degree, he has dedicated the past six years to honing his craft in both stage plays and films. His academic background complements his artistic pursuits, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his performances.
Archana Selvaraja
Archana Selvaraja is a rising talent in the theatre world, driven by her passion for the craft. Over the past two years, she has immersed herself in the art form, performing in five theatre productions. Her dedication to acting extends beyond the stage, as she has also garnered valuable experience in both short films and feature-length cinema, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Devi Devadoss
Devi Devadoss is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly balances her artistic pursuits with a career in technology. As a Bharatanatyam dancer with 15 years of experience, she brings a deep understanding of movement and expression to her work. In the past year, Devi has channelled her passion for performance into theatre, appearing in four plays. Her unique combination of artistic sensibility and technical expertise as a software engineer allows her to approach her roles with both creativity and precision.
Abinaya Jothi
Abinaya Jothi is a distinguished theatre practitioner and movement artist from Tamil Nadu, India. Since embarking on her performance career in 2013, she has engaged with diverse audiences across India, addressing critical social and environmental issues. Following her Professional Diploma in Acting from the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore, she has returned to Chennai to excel in acting, directing, and pedagogical roles, dedicated to crafting transformative and innovative theatre experiences.
Suthan S
Suthan S is a theatre lighting designer and actor. He holds a Guinness World Record for directing the world’s longest play, demonstrating his commitment to pushing theatrical boundaries. His experience in both performance and technical aspects of theatre informs his lighting designs.
Suren Sekaran
Suren Sekaran is a musician, playback singer, and composer. He holds a master’s degree in drama and theatre from Pondicherry University, which enhances his understanding of musical storytelling in theatrical contexts.
N Sathya Sharath
N Sathya Sharath is a practitioner of Devarattam and other traditional folk art forms. He teaches Devarattam, Karagattam, Oyilattam, Paraiattam, and Silambam. In theatre, he contributes as a musician, bringing his knowledge of traditional arts to productions.
MR Nethaji
Nethaji is an actor trained for both stage and screen. He completed an intensive acting course at the National School of Drama, Bengaluru. His experience spans Tamil films and short films, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of production processes.
R Raagul
Raagul is an actor for screen and stage who trained at Mindscreen Film Institute, Chennai. Over the past two years, he has worked in theatre as both a performer and backstage crew member. His experience includes roles in short films and movies. Outside of theatre, Raagul works as a professor.