The scope of his work, which so skilfully combined joy and sorrow, was concentrated on a critical period: from the 1950s up to the mid-1980s. This time span covers the defining shifts in the region—from early post-colonial optimism and the rise of language rights movements, through the increasing marginalization of the Tamil community, to the escalation of the conflict preceding the later civil war years.
By making these complex political and social dynamics the central themes of his stage performances, Sivanathan ensured that his art was not merely entertainment, but a powerful, accessible form of social and political commentary for the very community enduring these shifts.The scope of his work, which so skillfully combined joy and sorrow, was concentrated on a critical period: from the 1950s up to the mid-1980s. This time span covers the defining shifts in the region—from early post-colonial optimism and the rise of language rights movements, through the increasing marginalization of the Tamil community, to the escalation of the conflict preceding the later civil war years.
By making these complex political and social dynamics the central themes of his stage performances, Sivanathan ensured that his art was not merely entertainment, but a powerful, accessible form of social and political commentary for the very community enduring these shifts.
This play was staged at the Camden Hall in London in 1985.
The work was created and directed by the writer, Pulavar Sivanathan (Pankayamanalan), and performed by Tamil students and working professionals living in London at the time. The play depicted the social and political climate of the homeland, both before and during the events that were taking place there.
This stage production portrayed the social inequalities, caste-based oppression, and the resulting humiliations that existed within the Tamil community of the homeland. It also chronicled the historical backdrop and events that led to the Tamil freedom struggle.