Puratchipadai Productions’ play Oor Koodi Ther Izhu (written and directed by Nandhakumar) takes its name from a popular Tamil saying — to get things moving, people must unite. The team presented stories about the Azhagar and Madurai Meenakshi temples, and the Chithirai festival. To bring everyone together, without denominational differences, King Thirumalai Nayak merged the Meenakshi wedding festival and Azhagar festival into one.
Devotees of the deity Karuppan participate in the festival, because Azhagar takes permission from Karuppan before leaving the temple. The use of shadow puppetry in the play Oor Koodi Ther Izhu was innovative. | Photo Credit: SRINATH M The use of shadow puppetry in the play was innovative.
The tune of the iconic Malayalam boat song Kuttanadan punjaiyile was used for the song Malaya Desam thottu, when thieves arrive in a boat to steal an idol. Pictures and videos in the background added to the visual appeal of the play. There was also a clever use of props.
For example, each of the actors had a blue cloth, which served as many things — water, baby Meenakshi and a garland. The cast (Sahana, Anthony Xavier and Nandhakumar) captured the audience’s interest. Unanswered questions However, one was left with some questions.
The play began with the disclaimer that it was not about faith. If a playwright feels devotion should not be portrayed in a play, that is fine. But you cannot then have an entire narration, tongue-in-cheek though it might be, abou.
