Key Themes Shaping Tamil Theatre Today

Speedy Summary

• Tamil theater and Chennai’s evolution over the last century reflect social and cultural shifts in the region.
• The modern era of Tamil theatre started in the 1860s with Thiruvottiyur Kasiviswanatha Mudaliar’s Dumbachary Vilasam. Pammal Sambandha Mudaliyar later popularised realistic acting and prose plays, founding Suguna Vilasa Sabha in 1891.
• Past landmarks include Victoria Public hall and Othavadai Theatre, hosting influential figures like T.K.S. Brothers, M.R. Radha, N.S. Krishnan, and more.
• Feminist figure Balamani Ammal pioneered women-led theatre companies in early 20th-century Tamil Nadu with adaptations like Rajambal.
• Political narratives entered Tamil theatre thru stalwarts such as C.N. Annadurai and M.Karunanidhi during the Dravidian movement era starting mid-century.
• Comedy-driven pieces by Crazy Mohan, Cho Ramasamy, Y.Gee,mahendra constantly are backbone