13th Thisaivegam - Tamil Drama Festival | Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre,உமறுப்புலவர் தமிழ் மொழி நிலையம்
Arts
Theater
Athipathi International Theatre proudly announces the return of Thisaivegam, Singapore’s longest-running Tamil drama festival, now in its 13th celebrated edition. A cornerstone of the local arts scene, 13th Thisaivegam continues its tradition of spotlighting original short Tamil plays, showcasing the rich talents of Singapore’s theatre community. This year’s festival takes on a special significance as it embraces the theme of Singapore's National Day, offering audiences a heartfelt and dramatic reflection on identity, unity, and the nation’s vibrant multicultural spirit, each play promises a unique perspective, blending culture, creativity, and patriotism on one stage. Artistic Director of Athipathi International Theatre, Pugalenthii shared, “Thisaivegam has always been a platform for emerging and established Tamil voices in Singapore. This year's edition is particularly meaningful as we celebrate not just theatrical excellence, but also our nation’s journey and values.” The festival will feature a diverse line-up of performers, writers, and directors, making it a must-attend event for theatre lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Performance Dates & Times: • July 18, 2025 – 3:30 PM 1. Education Is the Goal, Not Just Grades 2. Vote: Difference & Indifference 3. Udayasuriyan 4. Rabbit Tale • July 19, 2025 – 8:00 PM 1. Singapore Pledge 2. Kerani 3. Question Mark 4. Let’s Feast! Venue: UPTLC Auditorium, 2 Beatty Road, Singapore 209943 Ticket Prices: • Students: $20.00 • Public: $30.00 • Early Bird Offer: $20.00 SynopsisThisaivegam 2025 Education Is the Goal, Not Just Grades Kundavai, a high-achieving student, explodes when her groupmates Yusof and Tara modify her PowerPoint without permission. Her harsh words expose her obsession with grades over teamwork, leaving them hurt and defiant. When they quit the project, she realizes her mistake—school isn’t about scoring ‘A’s but learning collaboration and discovering passions. The clash forces her to reflect true education shapes character, not just marks. The wise wield humility as their greatest strength. Will Kundavai mend bridges, or will her pride cost her more than a grade? A lesson on ego, respect, and the real purpose of learning. Playwright Kaushik Directed by Pooja and Harshita Singapore Pledge What if the Singapore Pledge was just empty words? This gripping play-within-a-play reveals the shocking truth when students explore this theory. As they abandon the Pledge's principles, their classroom society crumbles racial tensions erupt, privilege divides friends, and harmony shatters. Why is the Pledge our nation's bedrock? This isn't performance - it's a mirror held to our future. The Pledge was never just words. It's the active choice we make every day to be one united person. Will you leave reciting - or believing? Playwright and Directed by Pugalenthii Kerani Ayyavu, a humble sweeper, endures humiliation from his arrogant supervisor, Maniyan, yet finds dignity in his labour. His sacrifices bear fruit when his son, Ilango, rises to a high-ranking position. But pride turns to restraint—Ayyavu fears his lowly status might shame Ilango. A moving story of silent struggles, parental love, and unspoken societal chains and how Education uplifts a person breaks societal hierarchies and chains. A raw, emotional storm of pride, shame, and the unbreakable chains of class. How far must a father go to set his child free? Story by Pon.Sundaraju Dramatized by Pugalenthii Directed by Saran Question mark After hitting rock bottom, betrayed by family, haunted by a tragic accident, and rejected by society, a broken youth wrote a suicide letter to his late mother. But in pouring out his pain, he awakens to a revelation: true love demands nothing in return. With newfound strength, he chooses life, vowing to rebuild himself with compassion and purpose. Playwright Gajendran and Shiva Directed by Vigneswaran and Gajendran Vote: Difference & Indifference Vijayalakshmi's lies made her leader—her rival's reputation in ruins, her victory built on deceit. But when her father, Arasu, uncovers the truth, her empire of lies begins to crumble. Can a leader forged in dishonesty ever truly win? In a fiery clash of ambition and morality, one apology could redeem her... or destroy everything. Power is fragile. The truth is not. Will she fall from grace—or rise with integrity? The play explores complex themes such as the impact of social media, the temptations of power, and the need to uphold ethical values in leadership roles. It raises important questions about the boundaries of ambition and the long-term implications of our actions. Playwright Pooja Directed by Anbarasan Rabbit Tale Koko, a shy rabbit, falls in love with Panpan, a rabbit from a different burrow. When Panpan moves in to join Koko’s family, their parents resist due to their differences. With the help of friends Mottu and Pattu, Koko and Panpan try to bring their families together. This heartwarming story shows how friendship can overcome prejudice, teaching even rabbits to hop beyond boundaries and embrace acceptance. Playwright Dr. Umayal Directed by Kaaveya and Roopa Let's Feast! At a lively condominium BBQ, expats, and PRs—Oviya, KaviNila, and Sahana—bond over otak-otak and satay while dissecting Singaporean life. From navigating kiasu culture to decoding HDB rules, they share laughs and struggles, revealing how they’re adapting (or resisting) the city’s relentless pace. They joined Parasu and Guru. A humorous, heartfelt take on belonging in Singapore’s melting pot. Adapted from Pugalenthii’s Kavasam Directed by Ambika and Kumutha Udayasuriyan Udayasuriyan nervously awaits his online crush, Kalaivani, at Fort Canning Hill, clutching a watermelon rind for identification. A case of mistaken identity leads him to Sathyavani, whose boyfriend, Mayandi, arrives dressed like a ruffian and acting cheaply. Disapproving, Udayasuriyan subtly advises Sathyavani that she deserves better—someone presentable and respectful and she breaks off their relationship. Later, he meets Kalaivani who agrees to have coffee with him and her eight cousins. When a devastated Mayandi appears, Udayasuriyan helps him realize that dressing well and behaving properly are key to being respected in a cosmopolitan society. The humorous yet meaningful encounter highlights the importance of self-improvement for Indian youths seeking acceptance in a modern, multicultural world. Playwright Pugalenthii Directed by JJ Dharshan
Information Source: Athipathi International Theatre | eventbrite