The title of this work, “ThirisanguSorkkam,” is well-known to many in the homeland. It’s a play that portrays a state of being caught between two worlds, much like the mythological tale of Thirisangu, Lord Indra and Vishvamithra Maharishi. The state of being stuck in the middle, unable to make gainful progress either way, at tmes!
This play by writer Pulavar Sivanathan (Pankayamanalan) has been staged on multiple occasions. It is a work of social realism that takes place within the family lives of Tamils who migrated from their homeland across seas and continents in the 70s and 80s.
In a multicultural environment, their families are caught between the traditions and beliefs of different ethnic groups. They live with “a foot in the East and another in the West,” with “one wing in the sky and another in the mud.” The play explores the conflicts, confusion, and chaos that arise from this divided identity.
The play is particularly focused on the conflicts between parents and their children in the diaspora concerning beliefs and policies related to marriage and family life. This piece is a realistic portrayal of these generational differences. This is one of the productions that was staged with different casts on various occasionsbut directed by Pulavar Sivanathan.