Kattaikkuttu Sangam opens doors for Diploma in Tamil theatre

The Hindu

2 days ago

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In the quiet village of Punjarasanthangal in Kancheepuram district, the Kattaikkuttu Sangam has been keeping the flame of Tamil heritage theatre alive for decades.
Best known for its Kalai Thiru Vizhaa, where theatre troupes across the country perform alongside its own Kattaikkuttu team, the Sangam is turning a new chapter by introducing its first ever Diploma in Kattaikkuttu.
The founders, P. Rajagopal and Hanne M. de Bruin, who have been running Kattaikkuttu Sangam since the '90s, say this has been a long time coming. 'There is no official institution where you can train as a Koothu actor in Tamil Nadu, and when it comes to rural women performers, the odds are stacked against them because of societal and family pressures. But women need to find a place to train and a voice on stage,' says Ms. Hanne, adding that making Tamil theatre accessible was the need of the hour.
The diploma course begins on October 2, 2025, and includes ten months of immersive theatre training. Students will end the course with a presentation, two all-night performances, and one shorter play, each a chance to put their skills to the test. Since the theatre form hopes to reach the hands of the younger generation, the doors are open to anyone 18 years of age, and above.
While prior theatre experience is a feather in the cap, it is not mandatory. 'There will be seven hours of immersive workshops every day,' says Mr. Rajagopal, who will also be one of the six teachers at their centre — Kuttu Kalai Koodam.
'We will cover everything from playing the harmonium to the many moving parts of Kattaikkuttu. It is not easy to pigeonhole this Tamil heritage theatre form; there is a lot of instrumental music, singing, storytelling of Indian epics, costuming and intense ensemble work,' he says.
The founders say this form is at risk and needs support. 'Most parents want their children away from traditional arts such as Koothu because of the stigma and fear that it leads to financial concerns and little respect,' Ms. Hanne says.
'We have knocked on the doors of government bodies for funding and support, but it has not been fruitful so far,' she adds.
Take Bharathi A., a 23-year-old artiste from K. Velur. Having grown up in the gurukulam at Kattaikkuttu Sangam, she has seen the highs and lows first-hand. 'Many women I trained with stopped performing due to familial obligations. But for me, this path has opened several doors — I have travelled, performed, and even received the Inlaks Theatre Award 2025 and other grants. This diploma course is going to make Tamil theatre a lot feasible.'