Thilagavathi Palani uses the centuries‑old Tamil folk theatre Kattaikoothu to spotlight rising temperatures and their impact on health and livelihoods. Her new play brings climate change to the stage with children and professional artists alike.
Key Takeaways
- Thilagavathi Palani adapts Kattaikoothu to address climate change.
- The troupe includes five professional artists and five schoolchildren.
- The production will tour seven schools in the hottest districts of Tamil Nadu.
Historical Background
Kattaikoothu, a traditional Tamil folk theatre dating back centuries, traditionally draws stories from the Mahabharata and other epics. For generations it was a male‑only art form, but Palani, a pioneer for over two decades, opened the stage to women and children.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that integrating climate narratives into traditional arts amplifies public awareness, especially among rural youth who form the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s future workforce.
Her new production, Veppathin Veriyattam, follows children in overheated classrooms, women cooking under tin roofs, and outdoor laborers battling extreme heat. One character personifies veppam (heat) itself, urging audiences to see heat as a symptom of environmental abuse, not a villain.
"Embedding climate education in cultural performances is the most potent catalyst for social change," says climate scholar Dr. Anjali Mehta.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where will the play be performed? The premiere is at Vedavalli Vidyalaya, Ranipet, followed by a tour of seven schools across Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai.
- Will the performance be available in languages other than Tamil? Currently it is staged in Tamil, with plans for subtitles in other languages in the future.