Centre for performing arts to come up at Tamil University

Updated on: Friday, October 15, 2010

“Kuthu Kalari”- Centre for Performing Arts is to come up soon in an environment friendly location at the Tamil University campus here.

“In all probability, construction work will be completed by December and the centre will start functioning from January,” M.Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor, told The Hindu here on Thursday.

A unique feature of the centre is its natural setting and environment-friendly buildings. K.Kanimozhi, MP, has given Rs. one crore from her MP's local area development fund for the centre.

A reception centre, which is called, “Chavadi” has been completed. The building is in the form of “Vavva Neththa” (a place where bats cannot survive) mandapam found in temples. The roof is in the form of an arch. An office block, where an audio visual documentary centre will also be located, a studio with an open stage, class rooms are nearing completion.

Dr. Rajendran said that rehearsals for arts taught in the centre can be held in the studio in a natural setting. “ Classes for B.A. students have already commenced. Once the buildings are completed students can occupy the rooms for study,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

He also said that traditional performing artistes have been appointed as teachers. Apart from them, nine lecturers from various departments of Tamil University have also been appointed. The students studying B.A in performing arts are taught English and Tamil and performing arts like Devarattam, Oyilattam, Bommarattam, Kummi, Kolattam and Kaisilambu. Those who complete the three-year degree course can opt for the five-year M. A. integrated course by continuing their studies for another two years. Subsequently, they can also enrol for a Ph.D course.

The objective of starting such a unique centre is to initiate the search for traditional arts and the integration they bring among people, Mr. Rajendran said. “In this era of globalisation, entertainment has touched new horizons. Most of the arts are performed in temples and they are religion oriented. There should have been a period before that when arts existed for people only and not on the basis of religion or caste. We are trying to search that too,”0 Dr. Rajendran said.

Ramasamy, Professor and Head, Department of Drama and Dean of Fine Arts, said that the centre will represent “Muthamizh” (Iyal, Isai, Natakam).

Centre for performing arts to come up at Tamil University

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