Towards Modern Tamil Theatre: Exploring the Theatrical Legacy of Sankaradas Swamigal

Abstract

Tamil theatrical history can be classified before and after Sankaradas Swamigal. With his entry to the Tamil stage in 1891, he fundamentally reshaped conventional theatrical traditions and pioneered modernising them. This paper examines the pivotal role of Sankaradas Swamigal in transforming Tamil theatre from its traditional forms to modern theatrical expression. Through an analysis of his theatrical innovations, musical contributions, and novel staging techniques, this paper demonstrates how Swamigal served as a bridge between classical theatrical traditions and modern theatre. It also explores his significant approach of blending ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture, integrating folk music with classical elements, and shifting Tamil drama towards the ordinary plebs. This paper traces his contributions particularly and studies the modernisation of Tamil drama, examining how his work created a paradigm shift in Tamil theatrical tradition.