The 40th ‘Tamil isai vizha’ organised by the Tamil Isai Sangam started here with a play, Soora Samharam , directed by Thamizharasan. The glittering sets came to life with the performance on cue by a 35-strong cast. The story, dialogue and lyrics were penned in the style of R. S. Manohar by K. P. Arivanandam, who also acted as Narada. K. C. Saminadhan lent his voice to the songs.
Soora Samharam , adoped from Skanda Puranam , shows how two ganas, Sooran and Padman, cursed by Nandi, merge as Soorapadman, a dreaded tyrant controlling the three worlds, imprisoning Indra, Vayu, Varuna and the Ashtadikbalas. His death in the hands of the son of Siva is his salvation, as he morphs into a peacock and rooster.
Balasundaram, as Soorapadman, lording over his court; Muthukumar, as Lord Siva, who takes pride in learning the Pranava from his son and Madesh as Bala Murugan mouthing chaste Tamil portrayed their roles well. Minister Dharma Gopar and his sons added humour to the proceedings. The repartee between Soorapadman’s mother and his wife provided a homely diversion.
Special mention is due to Arivanandam, who acted along with his son and grandson on the same stage. The music by Alex was pleasant. Credits for the sets and lighting go to Rajan (Kanchi Rengamani) and Mano respectively. In the lines of R. S. Manohar, the play presents the point of view of an anti-hero and succeeds in kindling interest in our rich mythology.
RAJALAKSHMI PADMANABHAN
