Kattaikkuttu, a form of high-energy folk theatre, is rooted in the vast oral performance tradition of rural Tamil Nadu. Its powerful, raw recitals invoke the mythical world of kings, gods and sages from the Mahabharata and other epics, keeping audiences in thrall from dusk to dawn.
A heady mix of music, dance, costumes, drama and ritual, Kattaikkuttu addresses its audience on many levels, playing out universal themes, dilemmas and dark violence, often combined with comedy. These ‘Shakespearean’ tales also draw from everyday life, politics, love, war and religion, allowing spectators to see something of themselves on stage.
Yet, like several traditional art forms, Kattaikkuttu faces an uncertain future, prompting organisations like Kattaikkuttu Sangam to step in and protect it, while creating sustainable livelihoods for its performers. Once a male stronghold, the Sangam also aims to make it more accessible to artists of both genders.
But perhaps, its greatest challenge yet is sustaining the interest of future generations. One that they seek to overcome at the Kattaikkuttu Gurukulam, a residential school near Kanchipuram. In turn, the Gurukulam’s theatre company, the Kattaikkuttu Young Professionals, nurtures and develops traditional, all-night performances. Led by director, actor and playwright Perungattur P Rajagopal, they also bring to life productions designed for urban audiences.
By bringing these ancient stories into the limelight, applying them to a contemporary context and giving the performers a new platform, champions of Kattaikkuttu are ensuring it regains lost ground.
Images by A Pratap, a Chennai-based photographer. Text by Enid Still