Silapathikaram Project 2024
by Bharathi Academy Alumni, Senior Students & Staff.

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ANNOUNCEMENT:
Due to popular demand, silapathikaram will be staged again on 8 February, 2025 at the drum theatre, dandenong

Silapathikaram is Tamil traditional theatre which brings the 1,800-year-old Tamil epic Silapathikaram vividly to life.

Performed in Tamil with English interpretation.

Written & produced by Mavai Nithi. Directed by Bakeerathy.

Silappathikaram-Booklet-Final Download

Silappathikaram-Storyline-Highlights (1)Download

From the performance of 8 Dec 2024

Immerse Yourself in the Epic Journey of Love, Betrayal, and Justice

We invite you to an unforgettable theatrical experience that brings to life one of the most revered stories in Tamil culture—Silapathikaram, an ancient epic that resonates with timeless themes of devotion, betrayal, and the unyielding power of justice. This immersive performance combines traditional Tamil theatre with evocative music, dance, and storytelling, offering a cultural spectacle like no other.

At the heart of this 1800-year-old tale is Kannaki, a woman of unwavering strength and virtue. She embodies love in its purest form, and her devotion to her husband Kovalan is matched only by her unshakable sense of righteousness. However, when betrayal enters their lives and Kovalan leaves her for Madhavi, a courtesan, Kannaki’s journey takes a dramatic turn. Despite her heartbreak, she forgives Kovalan and stands by him when he seeks redemption. Together, they set off for Madurai in hopes of rebuilding their lives.

In a tragic twist of fate, Kovalan is falsely accused of stealing the queen’s jewelled anklet and is executed by the King’s rash command. The grief-stricken Kannaki, determined to clear her husband’s name, confronts the King in a powerful display of righteous fury, proving Kovalan’s innocence. Her rage culminates in a curse that brings the once-prosperous city of Madurai to its knees, engulfing it in flames as a divine act of justice.

Silapathikaram is not merely an epic of kings and battles, but a deeply human story of an ordinary couple caught in extraordinary circumstances. It explores universal themes—love and rejection, loyalty and betrayal, justice and revenge—while reflecting the theological and philosophical influences of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

This production, written by esteemed Tamil playwright Mavai Nithi and directed by Bakeerathy, masterfully blends the grace of Tamil traditional dance with the soul-stirring music of world-class musicians from Australia and abroad. Performed in simple Tamil with English interpretation, this retelling is designed to captivate audiences of all backgrounds, whether they are familiar with Tamil culture or encountering it for the first time.

Rediscover the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu through this ancient yet ever-relevant tale of human emotion and moral triumph. With its mesmerising performances and powerful storytelling, this theatrical production promises to be a visual and emotional feast, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.

Come and experience the epic that has shaped Tamil literature and inspired generations with its potent message of justice, virtue, and the strength of the human spirit.

The Silapathikaram is an ancient literary masterpiece. It is more than an epic of kings and battles – it’s a deeply human story of an ordinary couple grappling with universal themes.

The Silapathikaram legend has been a part of the Tamil oral tradition. The palm-leaf manuscripts of the original epic poem, along with those of the Sangam literature, were rediscovered in monasteries in the second half of the 19th century by UV Swaminatha Aiyar – a pandit and Tamil scholar. After being preserved and copied in temples and monasteries in the form of palm-leaf manuscripts, Aiyar published its first partial edition on paper in 1872, the full edition in 1892. Since then the epic poem has been translated into many languages including English.
Wikipedia

Look forward to an exciting experience at the Drum Theatre (Dandenong) on 6 & 8 December 2024.

Drama at Bharathi Academy

Bharathi Academy stands out in its rich theatrical tradition. This tradition has been continuing since 1994.

Bharathi Academy students stage neatly produced, high quality plays every year. While the plays target young audiences, they are also equally enjoyed by adults. The concepts and the language of the plays are suited to and in tune with young people. Bharathi Academy plays help to cultivate children’s interest in the Tamil language. They promote a healthy artistic taste. By participating in these plays, children learn acting skills, use of body and space, voice projection and team working. They also develop imaginative skills and self-confidence.

Our students present three Drama Festivals every year. Because the plays are well practiced, meticulously produced and are entertaining, they are well appreciated by the audience. This gives immense satisfaction to the participants. Every student gets an opportunity to act in a play every year, which is unique to Bharathi Academy..

Bharathi Academy has been staging plays every year right from the inception. These scripts have been published in three volumes and are sought after internationally.