Talks by Thevanayagam Thevananth
IWCSL, 2018
2016 After the war came to an end, Projects utilizing arts to create reconciliation, and for the ... more 2016 After the war came to an end, Projects utilizing arts to create reconciliation, and for the purpose of creating peace are being undertaken on a large scale. All these projects had been found to be plans prepared with an esteemed purpose of empowering the people affected by war and project designed for that purpose. But, if we ask the question whether this target was achieved?, the answer received will a firm " No ". It could be said that, neither any structured evaluation nor research had been undertaken to find out the reason for this failure. After war had ended, several National and international events are being held in the North, particularly in Kilinochchi and Jaffna in sectors such as Art, Sports, commerce and Education. Each of these projects are being undertaken at an expense of several hundred Millions. The affected people could become the owners and partners of the above said massive events, only if, more attention is paid on Reconstruction of an area affected by war and the ability and capacity of the affected community is increased. In this context, first of all efforts should be made for reconstruction and resurgence of the affected people. The activities for finding things lost in the war, preserving and developing them had to be undertaken. This will require Long time, dedication and expenditure of funds. Only when these are taken into consideration, we can secure opportunities for a society to get revived and develop. In this context, we present below our opinion, regarding the International Film Festival – Jaffna,Jaffna that is being held currently, on the basis of our observations of Art – Related National Festivals that were held in the Northern Area. Here we must mention here two large scale project that were undertaken in the Past.
Kooththarangam, 2017
The terms ‘Drama’ and ‘Theatre’ are synonyms not only for the common man, but for many a learned... more The terms ‘Drama’ and ‘Theatre’ are synonyms not only for the common man, but for many a learned too. Though the masters of theatre try hard to differentiate one from the other, they try to remain inseparable - one is impossible without the other. In spite of the fact that the two are inseparable, just for the purpose of understanding, we could say, “that which is performed is Drama, and how it is performed the Theatre”. i.e., theatre employs its elements in an intergrated manner to create drama. Hence drama is the creation- the end product of theatre. There fore, to understand the drama of a people we should know their theatre- the performance in action; the process of creation. Shall we conclude by saying “Drama is Theatre in action”.
We are aware of the case of school girl Sivaloganathan Vidya who was gang raped two years ago and... more We are aware of the case of school girl Sivaloganathan Vidya who was gang raped two years ago and murdered and the ongoing case in Jaffna High Court complex at a Trial-at-Bar with three High Court Judges. Everyone is interested highly to know the details of the case. Since the case is going on in an open court all concerned from children to elders show keenness to know the details. Hence, the media in turn show high interest in reporting. Each proceeding is reflected accurately in the media. In the meantime it could be noticed that there are hot debates ongoing in social media as well as in community levels. Also community level vibrations too could be seen related to this. Social organizations, social enthusiasts, social workers and government officers are coming forward with various criticisms.
As a consequence to several regulations and indirect pressures which were instituted and aimed at... more As a consequence to several regulations and indirect pressures which were instituted and aimed at curtailing Voluntary Service activities of the Civil Societies, several Civil Organization suspended their Volunteer Service activities. Civil Society Organizations were pushed into crisis situations. Particularly, an environment was created where several International Organizations which were operating locally were compelled to get out. Meanwhile, because of the severe controls imposed on the Local Establishments were pushed into a situation where they were unable to provide their services and in one way they were de-activated. However local organization carried on regardless, their voluntary services, to suit their capacities.
Sri Lanka is involved in the process of creating transitional justice, reconciliation mechanisms ... more Sri Lanka is involved in the process of creating transitional justice, reconciliation mechanisms and creation of a new constitution to avoid racial conflicts the participation of women in the actions has not been sufficient. It is mandatory that the opinions of women and the matters that affect their welfare should be taken care of in the process.
The number of women in the war affected areas is more than half. However, the number of women leaders could be easily counted. It has to be taken in to consideration that the number of women in education and government service is much more than the men. But, the number of women politicians is very low.
இலங்கை நிலைமாறுகால நீதிப்பொறிமுறைக்குள்ளும் நல்லிணக்கத்தைக் கட்டியெழுப்புவதற்கான செயல்முனைப்போடும... more இலங்கை நிலைமாறுகால நீதிப்பொறிமுறைக்குள்ளும் நல்லிணக்கத்தைக் கட்டியெழுப்புவதற்கான செயல்முனைப்போடும் ,இன முரண்பாடுகளைத் தவிர்ப்பதற்காக புதிய அரசியலமைப்பை உருவாக்கும் படிமுறைக்குள்ளும் தன்னை ஈடுபடுத்தியிருக்கின்ற இன்றைய சூழலில் பெண்களின் குரல்கள் போதியளவில் இந்தச் செயல்முறையில் இல்லை என்பதை கவனத்தில் கொள்ள வேண்டும். பெண்களின் கருத்துக்கள் அவர்கள் நலன்சார்ந்த விடயங்கள் இந்தச் செயல்முறையில் கவனத்தில் கொள்ளப்பட வேண்டியவையாகின்றன.
இலங்கை சனத்தொகையில் அரைவாசிப்பகுதிக்கு மேல் காணப்படுகின்ற குறிப்பாக யுத்தத்தினால் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட சமூகத்தில் ஆண்களைவிட அதிகளவாக பெண்கள் காணப்படுவதான சூழலில் பெண்தலைவர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை விரல்விட்டு எண்ணுமளவிற்கே காணப்படுகின்றது. இருப்பினும் கல்வித்துறையிலும் அரசசேவைகளிலும் அதிகளவில் பெண்கள் காணப்படுகின்றார்கள் என்பதையும் கவனத்தில் கொள்ள வேண்டும். ஆனால் அரசியலில் பெண்களின் எண்ணிக்கை மிகக்குறைந்தளவே காணப்படுகின்றது.
After the war came to an end, Projects utilizing arts to create reconciliation, and for the purpo... more After the war came to an end, Projects utilizing arts to create reconciliation, and for the purpose of creating peace are being undertaken on a large scale. All these projects had been found to be plans prepared with an esteemed purpose of empowering the people affected by war and project designed for that purpose. But, if we ask the question whether this target was achieved?, the answer received will a firm " No ". It could be said that, neither any structured evaluation nor research had been undertaken to find out the reason for this failure. After war had ended, several National and international events are being held in the North, particularly in Kilinochchi and Jaffna in sectors such as Art, Sports, commerce and Education. Each of these projects are being undertaken at an expense of several hundred Millions. The affected people could become the owners and partners of the above said massive events, only if, more attention is paid on Reconstruction of an area affected by war and the ability and capacity of the affected community is increased. In this context, first of all efforts should be made for reconstruction and resurgence of the affected people. The activities for finding things lost in the war, preserving and developing them had to be undertaken. This will require Long time, dedication and expenditure of funds. Only when these are taken into consideration, we can secure opportunities for a society to get revived and develop. In this context, we present below our opinion, regarding the International Film Festival – Jaffna,Jaffna that is being held currently, on the basis of our observations of Art – Related National Festivals that were held in the Northern Area. Here we must mention here two large scale project that were undertaken in the Past.
Books by Thevanayagam Thevananth
Jaffna Science Association , 2021
With a lot of sorrow and sadness I give this message. Prof. Balasubramaniam had obtained his Ph.D... more With a lot of sorrow and sadness I give this message. Prof. Balasubramaniam had obtained his Ph.D. from Indiana University, USA in 1964 and to his credit he was one among the few Ph.D. students who had completed the Degree in three years. On his return to Sri Lanka in 1965, he joined the
சமூக அறிவியல் வெளி (SAMUKAARIVIYAL VELI), 2021
சமூக அறிவியல் வெளி யாழ்ப்பாண விஞ்ஞானச்சங்கத்தின் சமூக விஞ்ஞானப்பிரிவின் வெளியீடாக வருகின்றது. இதி... more சமூக அறிவியல் வெளி யாழ்ப்பாண விஞ்ஞானச்சங்கத்தின் சமூக விஞ்ஞானப்பிரிவின் வெளியீடாக வருகின்றது. இதில் சமூக விஞ:ஞர்னம் சார்ந்த ஆய்வுக்கட்டுரைகள் வெளிவந்திருக்கின்றன. இதன் ஆசிரியராக தேவநாயகம் தேவானந்த் அவர்கள் செயற்படுகின்றார் இதன் முதல் இதழ் யூன் 2021 வெளிவந்துள்ளது.
Samuka Ariviyal Veli Magazine is published by the Jaffna Science Association's Social Science division. It's consists of research papers in various fields. The editor of this magazine is Thevanayagam Thevananth and its first issue was published in June 2021.
The burden carried on the people’s heart in the northern part of Srilanka surroundings was heavy ... more The burden carried on the people’s heart in the northern part of Srilanka surroundings was heavy due to escalation of war. They have forgotten their own image due to heavy pressure brought on them. They have buried their burdens deeply in their hearts and wandering about with a dry face, as if they have no life in them. This situation predicts inactiveness in future.
They are unable to lay down their burdens through fear. Due to the fear they have to keep their mouths shut as if they are wearing masks and live in silence.
Theatre activities is a good tool to break their silence and make happy by laughing, speaking, Crying and shouting .This kind of theatre activities gives relief to masses with heavy hearts.
Papers by Thevanayagam Thevananth
Indian Journal of Tamil, 2022
During the war in the northern part of Sri Lanka, theatre committees functioned on a monthly allo... more During the war in the northern part of Sri Lanka, theatre committees functioned on a monthly allowance basis. This activity has been going on continuously for many years. These theatre groups have travelled relying on people. The people have fed them. Here the salary allowance was not paid according to the quality of the actor in the theatre group, but according to the number of his family members. Instead of 'qualified wages', the allowance of 'wages as per requirement' has been given. A group of equal numbers of women and men have cycled and staged plays. The play has been staged in at least three places every day, travelling day and night continuously for 22 days in a month. The actors, who went on bicycles professionally and staged plays, performed real life on stage. They saw the reality of the stage in life. There are no differences between fiction and reality in this theatre journey. The real story becomes a drama. A drama story becomes a reality. Here the dramaturgy fits in with many true stories and becomes visions of realities. At the same time, after a play is over, more plays are created. Moreover, more and more have evolved. Here, the play has helped the affected people reach the stage of 'despair'. It leads to a state of repentance, collective empathy, gaining confidence, and a desire to live. This study is based on the stage definition of liberation, on the basis of the ethnographic point of view, on the basis of which the researcher himself lived at a given time, and on the basis of witnessing the plays. But there are gaps in this study. To further enrich the study, the fonts of the plays produced by the theatre groups recorded sound, and cinematography is also required. Observation studies are also required. They are limited in the context of a military crisis.
Mayan International Journal of Tamil Research, 2022
The theatre is a reflection of social reality. Theatre can be described as man's weapon for chang... more The theatre is a reflection of social reality. Theatre can be described as man's weapon for change and self-realization as he struggles to overcome the forces that are hostile to him in order to survive. The theater draws people’s attention through a dramatic presentation of issues. It makes the audience see their problems in new and critical ways. Northern Sri Lanka Tamil theatre has always sought to address ethnic conflict issues and was affecting the community. The people of the war-torn area are oppressed in various ways; in this oppressed society, the Active Theatre movement raises its awareness of oppression through its theatrical performance. This study ananlysis the theatrical project that took place with young people living in the war-affected area. Here the study is conducted on the basis of the autoethnography research method, researcher as an observer, creator, and direct participator of the research. In north Srilanka, theatre speaks about uncovers the deepest implications of the war victims and brings it into play, and ensures that the victims are able to overcome it in the best possible way.
KEYWORDS:
Post-war theatre, Psychosocial theatre, War tragedies, Srilankan Civil war
International Refereed Journal of Tamil Studies Research (IRJTSR), 2022
Study Summary
In Sri Lanka in 2002, the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil ... more Study Summary
In Sri Lanka in 2002, the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the help of the Norwegian government. The long civil war that followed came to a temporary end. The agreement fell into crisis after the Mahinda Rajapaksa-led government took over in 2005. During this period both sides used the ceasefire to strengthen their armed forces. In 2006, the situation worsened to such an extent that the conflict became apparent again. During the 2002 – 2006 peace accord, the play 'Kaarithedu Odamal' was staged. Advocating that racism should be eradicated in Sri Lanka for lasting peace. As the play 'Kaaraithedum Odangal' was produced and staged during the period of the peace agreement and presents deep ideas about sustainable peace, it is examined within the definition of 'peace theatre'. Can the play 'Kaaraithedum Odangal' come under the definition of peace? Or does it violate it? The issues are addressed based on the information gathered through critical text analysis. In fact, the drama of Kaaraithedum Odangal plays the role of 'collective social pacification'. By making past tragedies so powerful, they identify those who caused them and make the audience aware of those power relations. It thus challenges peacetime peace by emphasizing its impermanence. This play was written and directed by Puduvai Anban. In the history of Eelan drama, Puduvai Anban, a dramatist, was involved in the theatre for liberation. He has also tried to create theatre plays for peace. Puduvai Anban reveals through these two stages of activities that the stage for liberation is an effort towards permanent peace.
Keywords: arenaTheatre for peace, Theatre for liberation, Sri Lankan Tamil Theatre, war-time Theatre, Srilankan Tamil Theatre
International Research Journal of Tamil
Theatrical performances are not real, but a unique creation of real-life, It consists of two aspe... more Theatrical performances are not real, but a unique creation of real-life, It consists of two aspects, which are visual (Optical) and audible (acoustic). Both aspects take place in performing time and make a dramatic piece of real life. It is performed only for a limited time. It starts at a certain moment and then lasts and ends at another certain time. There is an actual real lifetime transformed as dramatic time. Then spectators are in real-time and dramatic time at the same time. In North Sri Lankan plays are produced by the stories of war-affected people. Since 2002, the Active Theatre Movement has brought many war-affected people’s stories to the theatre. The personal story expresses the form of effective social relationships, and gives many meanings, because those stories are complex, interconnected, and contradictory, a story performed by the human body is an expression of cultural conflict. Active Theatre Movement worked with no of war-affected people’s stories, like people ...
Shanlax International Journal of Tamil Research, 2020
Is in play. The play is made up of everyday life activities. The place where the action takes pla... more Is in play. The play is made up of everyday life activities. The place where the action takes place is defined as the stage. Drama is the best of human language that uses verbal and physical devices to reflect life.The stage is seen as a process and is used as a tool to achieve human development goals. The stage is a way to understand the nature of aggression. This is a collaborative effort of many. It invites people there to engage in creative processes. Creativity is defined as a process by which innovation can be achieved.The platform of the oppressed emerges from the belief that the role of society in changing oppression and achieving liberation from oppression can be critically explained. But drama for social change and liberation from oppression; has been used for years. This study explores the potential dynamics of drama to achieve an ideal goal based on theatrical literature.Theatrical font intended for content analysis methodology. The forum has helped people in Jaffna, Sri...
HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION IN ASIA-PACIFIC · VOLUME 10, 2020, 2020
Tamil-speaking artists in Sri Lanka are in an oppressive environment. Active Theater Movement wan... more Tamil-speaking artists in Sri Lanka are in an oppressive environment. Active Theater Movement wants to triumph over this sort of environment and create a situation conducive to freedom of expression. The members believe that reviving the art forms traditionally found among Tamils is one way of exercising freedom of expression. Considering the revival and preservation of the art of drama as important, they commenced the revival and preservation work. The performing art of drama has an extraordinary capacity to attracting people. It can be said that when an artist makes flesh and blood expressions of his sentiments through his body language, the lively situation created by it cannot be equaled by any media. As a result, the exchange of ideas easily occurs through it. Literary creators can cross borders and develop whatever stories, articles or poetry desired. These creations can also
be shared through today’s modern media. But, in the present context of Sri
Lanka, exchanging ideas through the medium of drama is not an easy task. Numerous barriers have to be confronted by people who get together to conceive and deliver the creation. There is a high probability that the creation will stagnate. Thus the revival and preservation of the art of drama, which is traditionally integrated into the lifestyle of people, and the best medium to express ideas, is a Himalayan task. A lot of difficulties are encountered in finding the financial support for this. Even if the drama is produced surpassing all these barriers, there are further difficulties to address in finding a suitable place to stage the drama and, worse still, obtaining the required permission to stage the drama.
SamikaAriviyal Veli Magazine by JSA, 2021
Srilankan Tamil Theatre exposing the socio-political realities of civil war in Srilanka. Active T... more Srilankan Tamil Theatre exposing the socio-political realities of civil war in Srilanka. Active Theatre Movement one of the pioneer theatre movements has been working with war-affected people, This paper analyzes some of the plays which speak at the socio-political realities of war-affected people.
JSA Newsletter
“Ithu Koothala Nijam (This is not a drama but a reality) is a drama staged
in the Nallur Drama Fe... more “Ithu Koothala Nijam (This is not a drama but a reality) is a drama staged
in the Nallur Drama Festival in 2015 which organized by Active Theatre
Movement during the Nallur Temple festival. This is a drama regarding
violence against women. Art is closely integrated with the social life of the
community (Yirenkyi, 1992). Theatre is art. It is, therefore, logical to say
that theatre is integrated into the social life of North Srilanka. Mackey and
Cooper (2000) have argued that good theatre has both entertainment and
enlightens. It is both enjoyable and has something valuable to say. When
performing drama at the Nallur drama Festival the drama gained much
appreciation from the audience. The play ‘Ithu koothalla Nijam’, which
required the participation of the audience, was appreciated very much by
the audience. The creative artist has the power of arousing the emotions ofa spectator (Pickard, 2009).
JSA Newsletter 2021
This paper employed the auto-ethnography research method and take advantage of the author’s direc... more This paper employed the auto-ethnography research method and take advantage of the author’s direct observation as creator, performer, and trainer. Information was also obtained from participants of some of the theatre productions
in Jaffna. The paper concludes that Theatre is a good tool to speak loudly and create public action against oppressed
scenario in Srilanka. A hope has risen in the mind that, Drama could drum up the minds of people who had been
oppressed.
Auto ethnographers argue that self-reflexive critique upon one’s positionality as researcher inspires readers to reflect critically upon their own life experience, their constructions of self, and their interactions with others within socio historical contexts (Ellis & Bochner, 1996; Goodall,1998). Maranachchanrithal & Kallaraikavithaikal both plays address prevailing socio-political problems, both have a vein of tragedy which makes their stark themes more palatable. Issues which engaged the attention of disappearance issues in Srilanka. Both plays have a serious socialist inclination in the performances, showing a clear refraction of the political ideologies and how they covertly or overtly intend to use the plays as tools to stir a political evolution in North Srilanka. These plays to effectively demonstrate the need for social change and fairness within their societies and the Country as a whole. Tamil theatre in North Srilanka has used theatre to convey messages, demand political action or change government policy and public opinion.
Keywords: Jaffna theatre,Srilankan Tamil theatre, Active Theatre Movement,war theatre
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Talks by Thevanayagam Thevananth
The number of women in the war affected areas is more than half. However, the number of women leaders could be easily counted. It has to be taken in to consideration that the number of women in education and government service is much more than the men. But, the number of women politicians is very low.
இலங்கை சனத்தொகையில் அரைவாசிப்பகுதிக்கு மேல் காணப்படுகின்ற குறிப்பாக யுத்தத்தினால் பாதிக்கப்பட்ட சமூகத்தில் ஆண்களைவிட அதிகளவாக பெண்கள் காணப்படுவதான சூழலில் பெண்தலைவர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை விரல்விட்டு எண்ணுமளவிற்கே காணப்படுகின்றது. இருப்பினும் கல்வித்துறையிலும் அரசசேவைகளிலும் அதிகளவில் பெண்கள் காணப்படுகின்றார்கள் என்பதையும் கவனத்தில் கொள்ள வேண்டும். ஆனால் அரசியலில் பெண்களின் எண்ணிக்கை மிகக்குறைந்தளவே காணப்படுகின்றது.
Books by Thevanayagam Thevananth
Samuka Ariviyal Veli Magazine is published by the Jaffna Science Association's Social Science division. It's consists of research papers in various fields. The editor of this magazine is Thevanayagam Thevananth and its first issue was published in June 2021.
They are unable to lay down their burdens through fear. Due to the fear they have to keep their mouths shut as if they are wearing masks and live in silence.
Theatre activities is a good tool to break their silence and make happy by laughing, speaking, Crying and shouting .This kind of theatre activities gives relief to masses with heavy hearts.
Papers by Thevanayagam Thevananth
KEYWORDS:
Post-war theatre, Psychosocial theatre, War tragedies, Srilankan Civil war
In Sri Lanka in 2002, the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the help of the Norwegian government. The long civil war that followed came to a temporary end. The agreement fell into crisis after the Mahinda Rajapaksa-led government took over in 2005. During this period both sides used the ceasefire to strengthen their armed forces. In 2006, the situation worsened to such an extent that the conflict became apparent again. During the 2002 – 2006 peace accord, the play 'Kaarithedu Odamal' was staged. Advocating that racism should be eradicated in Sri Lanka for lasting peace. As the play 'Kaaraithedum Odangal' was produced and staged during the period of the peace agreement and presents deep ideas about sustainable peace, it is examined within the definition of 'peace theatre'. Can the play 'Kaaraithedum Odangal' come under the definition of peace? Or does it violate it? The issues are addressed based on the information gathered through critical text analysis. In fact, the drama of Kaaraithedum Odangal plays the role of 'collective social pacification'. By making past tragedies so powerful, they identify those who caused them and make the audience aware of those power relations. It thus challenges peacetime peace by emphasizing its impermanence. This play was written and directed by Puduvai Anban. In the history of Eelan drama, Puduvai Anban, a dramatist, was involved in the theatre for liberation. He has also tried to create theatre plays for peace. Puduvai Anban reveals through these two stages of activities that the stage for liberation is an effort towards permanent peace.
Keywords: arenaTheatre for peace, Theatre for liberation, Sri Lankan Tamil Theatre, war-time Theatre, Srilankan Tamil Theatre
be shared through today’s modern media. But, in the present context of Sri
Lanka, exchanging ideas through the medium of drama is not an easy task. Numerous barriers have to be confronted by people who get together to conceive and deliver the creation. There is a high probability that the creation will stagnate. Thus the revival and preservation of the art of drama, which is traditionally integrated into the lifestyle of people, and the best medium to express ideas, is a Himalayan task. A lot of difficulties are encountered in finding the financial support for this. Even if the drama is produced surpassing all these barriers, there are further difficulties to address in finding a suitable place to stage the drama and, worse still, obtaining the required permission to stage the drama.
in the Nallur Drama Festival in 2015 which organized by Active Theatre
Movement during the Nallur Temple festival. This is a drama regarding
violence against women. Art is closely integrated with the social life of the
community (Yirenkyi, 1992). Theatre is art. It is, therefore, logical to say
that theatre is integrated into the social life of North Srilanka. Mackey and
Cooper (2000) have argued that good theatre has both entertainment and
enlightens. It is both enjoyable and has something valuable to say. When
performing drama at the Nallur drama Festival the drama gained much
appreciation from the audience. The play ‘Ithu koothalla Nijam’, which
required the participation of the audience, was appreciated very much by
the audience. The creative artist has the power of arousing the emotions ofa spectator (Pickard, 2009).
in Jaffna. The paper concludes that Theatre is a good tool to speak loudly and create public action against oppressed
scenario in Srilanka. A hope has risen in the mind that, Drama could drum up the minds of people who had been
oppressed.
Auto ethnographers argue that self-reflexive critique upon one’s positionality as researcher inspires readers to reflect critically upon their own life experience, their constructions of self, and their interactions with others within socio historical contexts (Ellis & Bochner, 1996; Goodall,1998). Maranachchanrithal & Kallaraikavithaikal both plays address prevailing socio-political problems, both have a vein of tragedy which makes their stark themes more palatable. Issues which engaged the attention of disappearance issues in Srilanka. Both plays have a serious socialist inclination in the performances, showing a clear refraction of the political ideologies and how they covertly or overtly intend to use the plays as tools to stir a political evolution in North Srilanka. These plays to effectively demonstrate the need for social change and fairness within their societies and the Country as a whole. Tamil theatre in North Srilanka has used theatre to convey messages, demand political action or change government policy and public opinion.
Keywords: Jaffna theatre,Srilankan Tamil theatre, Active Theatre Movement,war theatre