The all-women students’ group from Thiruvarur will perform Albert Camus’ famous play, The Misunderstanding in Tamil. Produced by the Tiruchi Nataka Sangam, the students and their mentor Akhila, are excited to perform in a big city like Chennai.
CHENNAI: When a group of BA English students from Rabiammal Ahmed Maideen College for Women, Thiruvarur, staged a one act play — ‘The Valiant’, as part of an inter-collegiate festival, little did they know what lay in store. Impressed by their act, Jambunathan and Swamianthan, of Tiruchi Nataka Sangam approached the group led by Akila, their mentor, to direct and perform a play produced by them — Albert Camus’ The Misunderstanding — in Tamil. They couldn’t contain their excitement while talking to CE… “This is the 35th play of Tiruchi Nataka Sangam and to be a part of it is a great feeling,” says an enthusiastic Akila, faculty-cum-theatre mentor at Rabiammal College.
Hailing from Thiruvarur, she says, “We are from a small town and such opportunities are rare. To perform in Chennai, in front of people who have been in theatre for a long time…you cannot imagine how big this is for us! Directing this play has been a wonderful experience and the students have put their heart and soul into it.” With almost a month of rehearsals and training, the troupe is all set to perform in the city today and Akila credits her students for all the hard work they have put in. “We used to conduct rehearsals in between classes, during class and they attended all of it, even during exams. They have been extremely cooperative,” she says.
The all-women troupe has ML Shwetha (Martha), S Sangeetha (mother), S Keerthana (John), M Shanmathi (Maria) and MT Minnath Fathima (servant) playing the ive roles. Talking about her understanding of the play, ML Shwetha says, “When we were given the script, we didn’t know much about the content. But in two weeks, we understood how relevant it was in today’s world. Also, we realised that this was our big break. So, we wanted to give our best.” She says that her role as the sister in the play Valiant made Jambunathan cry. “When he approached us, he said that my acting impressed him and that it made him cry. I am glad I received such a huge complement from a legend. This is our opportunity to prove ourselves!” she exclaimed.
Though Shwetha and a few others have been to Chennai before, for Sangeetha, this is her first visit and naturally, she is excited. “I almost didn’t make it. My parents did not agree when I told them about the play. But, somehow Akila and I convinced them and here I am! I am nervous and excited at the same when I think of performing in front of a big audience… it’ll be something to cherish,” she smiles. For Shanmathi, this was the chance to overcome stage fright. “I used to be scared of getting on stage. But, when I began auditioning and performing, I overcame it. I am sure, this show will make us better performers!” she beams. The troupe will be performing Albert Camus’ The Misunderstanding today at Spaces, Besant Nagar from 7 pm onwards.