Liberative and Poignant

In a city like Chennai, it is very rare to come across stories with unapologetic portrayals of the lives of oppressed people. But when the play directed by Srijith Sundaram, Molagaa Podi, unfolded on the stage with the mesmerizing performances of its actors, it filled the air with elation as it offered a sense of hope that marked the arrival of a new momentum gathering against oppression. The play, presented by Kattiyakkarai theatre group, is based on a short story by the Dalit writer Bama that celebrates the rebellion against caste oppression through mockery and well-etched humour. Not to forget that Bama’s short stories and novels were the ones to mark a beginning of revolution of sort in the Tamil literature space. The revolution of Bama’s writing is not only in the stories that she tells, but also in the language that she usually employs. Her stories are written in the dialect of the same people whose lives she portrays. This renders tenacious strength to her story-telling. This, I call it a revolution, because the Tamil literature space has always been dominated by many self proclaimed mavericks, who lay emphasis on language rather than on the issue. And to write in a language of oppressed people that lacks the refinement and beauty of chaste Tamil, is definitely a victory that needs to be celebrated as a revolution.

The play that was staged as part of the Chennai Rainbow Pride events at Spaces in Besant Nagar, has elevated Bama’s story to a totally new level through its nuanced narration and portrayal. To those who have already read the story, the play would be an overwhelming experience, as it has brilliantly captured the core essence and the beauty of Bama’s short story. The original dialect of the story, the nuances of which have been handled well in the play, has enriched the overall experience of the audience. The format of narration was interesting, as it gave space for the actors to interact with the audience and in turn kept them engaged throughout. The trivial alteration in the play towards the end from the original story, has only added sheen to the story, as it offered some interesting perspectives to the viewers.

What is it about parai that its sounds make your nerves and cells reverberate with energy, hope, joy and a sense of liberation? The apt use of parai that reverberates along the story at instances of confrontation and resistance, heightened the spirits of viewers. The poignant lyrics of the songs portraying the plight of Dalits also added a definite strength to the story.

Another important aspect about the play, that makes it a class apart, is that many of its actors belong to a community of sexual minorities. Who else could effectively portray the oppression better than the ones who had undergone the agony of exclusion and marginalisation in real life? Oppression may be of different kinds, but the pain inflicted by any discrimination is largely the same. This was clearly evident when the actors portrayed the real emotions with overwhelming genuineness on the stage.

Two thumbs up for Srijith and his team who have delivered a power-packed performance and made the whole experience an enjoyable and insightful one!