In the vibrant cultural milieu of Chennai, a unique initiative known as Katradi has been making waves since its inception in 2014. Spearheaded by the visionary Sangeeta Isvaran, this undertaking operates under the auspices of the Wind Dancers Trust (India). Katradi has committed itself to bringing to light crucial social issues that traditional educational systems often overlook. According to Isvaran, the core philosophy of the initiative is encapsulated in the concept of “kalai mulamma kali,” or “art through education.”
Katradi’s mission is to educate and empower diverse communities on topics that are seldom addressed in school curriculums. These range from sensitive subjects like child sex abuse to significant societal matters such as reproductive health, gender, and caste dynamics. “Through our work with women, children, and an array of communities,” says Isvaran, “we aim to spark vital discussions on these pressing issues.”
One of the primary verticals of Katradi’s work is environmental conservation, approached uniquely through the lens of community engagement. “Our interest lies in conservation but from a community’s perspective on what ordinary people can do about it,” explains Isvaran. The organization collaborates on projects that not only raise awareness but also cultivate solutions from within communities on how best to tackle environmental challenges.
A recent noteworthy project commissioned by the Bengaluru-based Student Conference for Conservation Science (SCCS) allowed Katradi to integrate its creative prowess with environmental advocacy. The play, “Shhh… Listen!” was orchestrated by Sangeeta and Thilagavathi Palani, founder of Sri Krishna Kattaikkuttu Khuzu, to mark SCCS’s 15th anniversary. The production casts a spotlight on the importance of preserving natural ecosystems, with this year’s conference theme being “Wetlands Aren’t Wastelands.”
Isvaran elaborates on the significance of wetlands, often disregarded as wastelands once they start drying up. She points out the alarming trend of people dumping waste into these waters, leading to severe pollution and eventual development at the expense of natural habitat. “Shhh… Listen!” strives to redefine humanity’s perception of nature, emphasizing our integral role within it rather than apart from it.
The play follows the lives of frogs inhabiting a marshland, with the antagonist represented by a JCB, a metaphor for unchecked development.
. In a poignant narrative twist, Yama, the god of truth and balance, makes an appearance to challenge the notion of death, highlighting how human actions are a primary catalyst for ecological imbalance.
Though the play’s theme is profound, Isvaran assures its artistic integrity is maintained through an engaging blend of humor and serious discourse. The music within “Shhh… Listen!” consists entirely of original compositions, showcasing diverse traditional art forms including kattaikkuttu (a form of rural theatre), oyilattam (a folk dance), medai nadagam (stage plays), and the classical Bharatanatyam dance form.
Beyond its collaboration with SCCS, Katradi aspires to expand the impact of “Shhh… Listen!” by incorporating it into educational outreach programs, aiming to instill in children an appreciation for the ecological networks right outside their doorstep.
Katradi, while based in Chennai with operations in Ranipet district, extends its artistic activism internationally. The organization engages with communities in Manipur, France, Mexico, and even Ukrainian refugees, leveraging the arts for educational empowerment and conflict resolution.
Isvaran details the rich historical tapestry behind the art forms they employ, particularly highlighting kattaikkuttu, which, despite requiring years of comprehensive training, remains undervalued. She laments the marginalization of such folk arts due to their lack of classical recognition, underscoring their profound expressive potential.
In a world rife with misinformation, Katradi has utilized its artistic talents to address community fears during the pandemic. The troupe performed in over 80 villages, deploying traditional arts to communicate crucial health information.
The diversity within Katradi is not a mere talking point but a lived reality, with their ensemble comprising individuals across various spectrums of gender, caste, community, and abilities. Marking a significant milestone, their upcoming performance in Bengaluru will feature a quadriplegic performer, whose storytelling will be a poignant testament to the inclusive ethos of Katradi.
“Shhh… Listen!” will be performed at the JN Tata Auditorium, IISc, on October 21, from 6 to 7 pm. The event provides a platform for Katradi to further its mission and extend its reach. For more information on their programs and initiatives, one can visit www.katradi.org.
