Ki Ra Kozhambu: universal folk tales

Ki Ra Kozhambu was first staged in 2010. Last year, the performance was revived at the request of well-known Tamil folklorist and author Ki Rajanarayanan, on whose works the play is based, on his 95th birthday. The play, featuring fascinating stories of “a self-important eagle, a confused chicken, and a lucky snake, amongst others,” is one of Perch's most popular productions and has been performed in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It was performed in Bengaluru in an apartment complex in Kundalahalli Gate, organised by a Tamil literary magazine for children, run by software engineers.

Ravindra Vijay, one of the performers, speaks about one of their most memorable performances. “The play was staged at the Keystone Foundation in Kotagiri. Five indigenous communities: the Todas, the Kotas, the Badagas, the Irulas and the Kurumbas, watched and loved the performance.” That is the beauty of Rajanarayanan’s work, its universal appeal. Ki Ra Kozhambu is simple in form and humourous in content. “It works best in an audience of adults and children,” says Ravindra. The stage has only three performers, Ravindra, Anand Sami and Maya S Krishnan, and a bench. There are no sets. “It has a number of song and dance routines,” says Ravindra.

Ki Ra Kozhambu, directed by Rajiv Krishnan, in Tamil and English will be staged at Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield from May 18 (6.30 pm) and on May 19 and 20 at 3 pm and 6.30 pm. Tickets are available at the venue and on bookmyshow.com.