Therukoothu Training Workshop and Performance Organized by Yaazh Theatre and Research Foundation – January 2024

 

Therukoothu Training Workshop and Performance Organized by Yaazh Theatre and Research Foundation – January 2024

The promotion of the uniqueness and special significance of Therukoothu (traditional theatre) to the younger generation through experiential learning.

Therukoothu Training Workshop and Performance Organized by Yaazh Theatre and Research Foundation – January 2024

As you are all aware, Yaazh Theatre and Research Foundation in Puducherry continuously functions through theatre performances, theatre training programs, and theatre-related research. Accordingly, we initiated a project titled "Handing over Therukoothu, the pioneering art form of Tamil theatre, to the younger generation through a 10-day continuous training workshop and public performances." 

Objectives and Impact

Through this initiative, traditional Therukoothu artists can also journey towards teaching platforms by establishing their own koothu schools and acting-related institutions. The younger generation, engaged in acting and theatre, will be transformed into individuals experienced in Tamil cultural acting methods combined with music and dance through this Therukoothu training. Furthermore, they will transform into individuals who realize the strength of Therukoothu and the labor required for that art form. In particular, they will begin to speak about the greatness Therukoothu within their peer circles, and the audience base for Therukoothu will increase manifold.

This training workshop was conducted completely as a free project. This was prioritized with the reasoning that marginalized students should not be left out due to economic difficulties.

Workshop and Performance Details

The training took place during the last 10 days of January 2024.

• First Performance: Held on 03.02.2024 at the Art and Craft Village, Ariyankuppam, Puducherry.
• Second Performance: Held in front of a large audience at the Manthaiveli Ground, Kirumampakkam, Puducherry.

 

Number of Participation

16 = 5 Female and 11 Male

Key Contributors and Guidance

• Training Instructors:
• A. Senthil
• A. Govindaraj (Sri Senthilkumaran Nadaga Sabha, Karasanur)
• Avinash Santosh (Sri Mayilam Murugan Nadaga Sabai and Terukuthu Training School)

 

• Workshop Guidance:
• M. Adhiraman (State President, I.P.T.A., Puducherry)
• Dr. V. Arumugam (Retired Professor, Department of Performing Arts, Puducherry)

 

• Workshop Director:
• Dr. G. Gobi (Yaazh Theatre and Research Foundation)