The woman reimagining Kattaikoothu for a warming world

A woman named Thilagavathi Palani is using the ancient Tamil folk theatre form known as Kattaikoothu to address modern challenges posed by global warming. Her latest production, Veppathin Veriyattam, focuses on the effects of extreme heat on communities in Tamil Nadu. The performance begins this week at Vedavalli Vidyalaya in Ranipet and will tour seven schools across Ranipet and Tiruvannamalai districts, which frequently face some of the state's highest temperatures. The production marks a departure from the traditional narratives of Kattaikoothu, which often draw upon stories from the Mahabharata and other epics. Instead, the play centers on an invisible threat, blistering heat, that affects everyday life in Tamil Nadu. This shift reflects Thilagavathi's broader mission to use the art form to highlight contemporary social issues such as anaemia, leprosy, and gender equality. Thilagavathi, 36, hails from Kalavai Koot Road in Ranipet. She is one of the few women to have performed professionally in Kattaikoothu, an art form historically dominated by men. Her journey into the field began with her uncle, who introduced her to the traditional theatre. As the eldest of five daughters from a low-income family, she faced unique challenges in pursuing this path. She joined the Kattaikkuttu Gurukulam in Kancheepuram in 2002, where she studied under P. Rajagopal, a prominent exponent of Kattaikoothu. After eight years of training and a two-year apprenticeship, she became one of the first female performers in a male-dominated tradition. This milestone gave her the confidence to continue pushing boundaries within the art form. Over the years, Thilagavathi has collaborated with various organizations focused on social work and environmental advocacy. In Chennai, she engaged in projects supporting fisherfolk, women, and children. Her involvement with the Katradi Trust, led by dancer and social worker Sangeeta Isvaran, further solidified her commitment to using art for social change. Her recent collaboration with Asar, an NGO specializing in climate and education, led to the creation of Veppathin Veriyattam. Researchers from Asar provided materials detailing the impacts of climate change on health and livelihoods globally. As Thilagavathi delved deeper into these resources, she found parallels in her own community. For instance, the expansion of the Arcot-Cheyyar Bypass resulted in the removal of numerous roadside trees, exacerbating local heat conditions. Personal experiences also influenced her approach. During her research on the effects of extreme heat, she learned about cases where elderly individuals succumbed to heat-related illnesses and studies linking high temperatures to adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings resonated with her after her sister experienced a miscarriage, though she does not directly link the event to heat exposure. Nonetheless, the incident deepened her understanding of the human cost associated with climate change. Veppathin Veriyattam explores the struggles of children affected by the changing climate, highlighting their difficulties in learning and adapting to increasingly harsh conditions. By involving both professional artists and young students trained in Kattaikoothu, Thilagavathi aims to create a more relatable and impactful narrative. She believes that when students witness performances by peers of similar age, the connection is stronger, enhancing the overall message. Thilagavathi firmly rejects the notion that Kattaikoothu is a declining art form. She argues that while urban perceptions might suggest otherwise, the practice remains vibrant in rural areas, particularly during festival seasons. She views the art form as a powerful medium for giving voice to critical discussions rather than allowing it to fade away. As the production tours various schools, it seeks to educate younger audiences about the realities of climate change and its immediate consequences. The initiative underscores the potential of traditional arts to engage with pressing global issues, offering insights that resonate with both local and international contexts.