Kulandai M. Shanmugalingam, a pivotal figure in the history of Eelam’s theatre and the founder of the Theatre Arts College, passed away on January 17.
Known as the “Father of Children’s Theatre in Eelam” and the “Mother of Modern Tamil Theatre in Eelam,” Mr. Shanmugalingam wrote over 150 plays and translated several works, including Japanese and other international plays, into Tamil.
On January 23, 1978, he established the Theatre Arts College in Jaffna, introducing structured drama training to Tamil artists.
After the 1980s, he used his plays to address significant societal issues such as the political crises faced by Tamil people, military oppression against female students, caste-based discrimination, and the hypocrisy within society.
Mr. Shanmugalingam played a key role in incorporating drama as a subject in the GCE Advanced Level syllabus and in introducing drama and theatre studies at the Jaffna National College of Education.
He was instrumental in developing drama and theatre studies into a full-fledged department at the University of Jaffna.
Some of his notable works include:
- “Man Sumanda Meniar” (kz; Rke;j Nkdpau;) Highlighting the struggles of the Eelam Tamil liberation movement.
- “Annai Itta Thee” (md;id ,l;l jP)– Exploring the emotional scars left on people due to war.
- “Yarku Eduthuraipen” (ahu;f;nfLj;Jiug;Ngd;) Depicting the plight of refugees in camps.
- “Velvi Thee” (Nts;tpj;jP) Portraying the suffering of a woman affected by the Indian Peacekeeping Force.
His contributions to the development and propagation of Tamil theatre and drama remain unparalleled, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.