Why
did you choose to produce The Silappadikaram?
My initial
interest in producing and presenting The Silappadikaram began with the
fact that it is one of the oldest epics in the world; furthermore, it is
widely known throughout India. It is historical, mythical, and even
a religious work that provides a clear depiction of ancient South India.
Did anything
else about the epic strike you?
It is a rare
epic in which a woman is at the focal point of the story. And though
it is so old, it is relevant in modern terms. The epic is performed
widely, not only because of its historical legacy, but because audiences
are able to identify with the very human emotions that are present in the
story.
When did
you begin working on this production?
Professor
William Skelton and I began working on this endeavor two years ago.
Was anyone
else, besides yourself and Professor Skelton, involved in making your vision
become a reality?
Yes.
We sought the help of Dr. Raama Kausalya and Maravanpulava K Sachithananthan
to translate and further research the epic.
Madurai
N Krishnan
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K
S R Anirudha
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Vidwan Madurai
N Krishnan, who is one of the founders of Shree Bharatalaya, composed the
musical score. K S R Anirudha composed the rhythmic syllables for
the dance and helped in the choreography as well.
What have
you found most difficult in producing The Silappadikaram?
The most difficult
part of the entire process has been editing the original text and choosing
the most essential scenes to make the story a whole. It is impossible
to recreate all of the scenes in a two-hour production. Thus, we
have chosen what we felt communicates the most and what is integral to
the story.
What do
you see as the strengths of the production?
The strengths
of the production are the cooperation with Professor Skelton and between
Shree Bharatalaya dancers and the Colgate India Study Group. In the
past eight weeks, we have created a carefully constructed work borne of
serious research and artistic creativity.
Why did
you collaborate with Professor Skelton and the Colgate India Study Group?
We collaborated
because we have been friends for more than forty years, and we believe
the production will be both spectacular and exciting in its uniqueness.
Do you have
a role in the production?
I will be
playing the role of Kavunthi, the Jain saint.
Contact:
Sudharani Raghupathy
Shree Bharatalaya
No. 119 Luz Church Road
Mylapore, Chennai 600004, India
Ph: (91- 44) - 24994460
e-mail: sudharani.raghupathy@gems.vsnl.net.in
William Skelton
e-mail: wskelton@mail.colgate.edu
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