“Most of my actors are from Coimbatore-based drama troupes,” said director Krish Bala recently, when talking about his latest film Neela Manjal Katchi, which will release next month. When asked for more information, Bala kindly introduced me to Kovai Gopiyar, Thalapathy N Kumaresan, K Jagan, RV Ramani and Kovai D Shanthi leading to a lively discussion on the state of theatre in the city.
Five-six decades ago, they say, Coimbatore had a vibrant drama culture. Today there are just four or five active troupes. Thalapathy puts the blame squarely on lack of spaces. “Earlier halls like the Kalaiarangam were available at cheap rates. Today, the Corporation charges high rates. As it is many of us pay from our own pockets to stage plays. We can’t afford the hall rents.”
Jagan recalls the magnificence of RS Manohar’s dramas. “The sets alone would come in six lorries,” he exclaims, adding, “We still have people who can do that. But we don’t have the space or the financial/infrastructural support.”
Support from the government and private sector is crucial for the revival, is their consensus. Popular troupes get the support, says Ramani. Otherwise one needs to know the sponsor personally or have a good relationship with the company. The second aspect is that the support usually fades away over time.
What about the audience? “They are beginning to come back,” muses Ramani, but Shanthi cuts in with “only if the plays are free.” They laugh ruefully acknowledging the truth of that remark. “They’ll say, ‘it’s your play. Why should I pay money?’ or there will be a request for passes,” smiles Gopiyar.
Thalapathy points out that they can’t rely on theatre for a livelihood. Even Shanthi, the only professional among them, is an artiste with All India Radio.
Gopiyar reminisces about a time when there would be competitions to write scripts and Ramani and Thalapathy chip in with “we still write our own scripts”. Thalapathy prefers historicals and is now researching the life of Puli Thevar, the earliest to oppose the British in Tamil Nadu. “Everyone knows Kattaboman,” he remarks. “I want to bring out Puli Thevar's story as well.” There is stated preference for plays with a ‘message’, whether the base is drawn from history or current events.
An infusion of young blood is required and, for that, “we need to take drama to schools.” A retired school teacher, Thalapathi wants to “teach kids what goes into a play —not just acting but the production side of it.” When someone points out that not many may take it up as a profession, he retorts, “Not necessary. Education is not just about academics. They need a knowledge of the arts as well.”
But, he accepts, that the lack of financial security is a huge deterrent. “When we stage a play, we not only have to pay the actors but also spend on sets, transport, food, lighting, sound...” As Ramani lists the expenditure, “no one can do this full time,” says Shanthi definitely.
Yet none of them can think of stepping away. There is a burst of voices all trying to explain the lure of theatre. “The cheers and applause is like a tonic,” says Gopiyar, while Shanthi talks about the delight of an instant reaction. “No space for mistakes,” say Ramani and Jagan, while Thalapathy brings up the need for presence of mind.
They have the plays; they have the passion ... what they lack is the money and support. “When we perform in villages and in places like Thanjavur and Tiruchi, there is so much support,” says Jagan. “Why that is not there in this city, I don’t know,” sighs Ramani.
Reel highs and lows
RV Ramani: Director SP Muthuraman saw one of my plays and wanted to meet me. When I went, he asked, "will you do a small role with Rajinikanth?" Would I say no? So the next day, we shot the scene at the airport. I had to receive him and had just over two to three lines. But even today I get a thrill when I see Netrikan.
Gopiyar: I was called to do a role in Kodi. I was very excited about acting alongside Dhanush. I had to play a doctor. And then, just before we began shooting, they and put a mask on my face. Now tell me, how can I tell anyone that it is I in that scene?
Reviving the sabha culture
We used to have sabhas like Janaranjitham and Urvashi, says Ramani nostalgically. They had a paid membership who got tickets free for plays and concerts. At which point, Jagan chips in with “we’re hoping to start something similar soon. We’re all in talks and hope it will bear fruit soon.” He also hopes to conduct a drama festival sometime this year. “We will bring troupes from other cities but will give preference to our own local talent,” he says firmly.