Kattaikkuttu: Reimagining a Tamil Theatre Tradition
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming MAP Academy Live session, ‘Kattaikkuttu: Reimagining a Tamil Theatre Tradition,’ with Dr. Hanne M. de Bruin. The talk will take place on 30th January 2025 at 7:00 PM (IST).
Kattaikkuttu is a rural theatre tradition from north and central Tamil Nadu, known for its all-night performances of Mahabharata stories. Traditionally performed by men, this art form combines song, music, acting, movement, and elaborate costumes to create immersive experiences. Dr. Hanne, who has spent over three decades researching and working within the tradition, will reflect on the caste histories and oral traditions that continue to shape Kattaikkuttu today.
Dr. Hanne will also discuss the Kattaikkuttu Sangam, a non-profit she co-founded with her husband, actor-director P Rajagopal, to sustain the tradition. She will highlight their recent production, Pārvai or ‘The Gaze,’ which challenges colonial and patriarchal narratives through its story of an exoticised Indian dancing girl, a Dutch travelogue, and a British photographer, with women in leading roles.
Kattaikkuttu is a significant cultural practice, performed in Tamil and deeply interwoven with the communities it serves. The name itself reflects its unique elements: “Kuttu” means theatre, while “Kattai” refers to the wooden ornaments worn by heroic characters. These performances are more than theatre; they are communal experiences, often funded and organised by the village, and celebrate shared traditions.
What makes Kattaikkuttu truly special is its ability to transport audiences into a dreamlike state as the performance unfolds throughout the night. The vibrant music and storytelling create an almost trance-like atmosphere, leaving participants with a lasting sense of connection to the art form.
Join us for this fascinating session as Dr. Hanne M. de Bruin shares insights into the history, impact, and future of Kattaikkuttu, a living cultural treasure.
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To register for the talk:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpdeGvqzkuHdEMwgpUgzyYHASIkyiw5Xyp#/registration
For more information:
https://www.kattaikkuttu.org/ and https://mapacademy.io/
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Image credits: MAP Academy / Charles Fréger / Kattaikkuttu Sangam