Hey folks! Guess what? The Sydney Opera House recently hosted an amazing event celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The spotlight was on two traditional folk arts from Tamil Nadu called Parai Attam and Silambattam. These ancient art forms, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of instruments like Parai, Konnakol, and Morsing, mesmerized the audience of over 37,000 people. It was truly a proud moment for Tamil culture!
The event was made possible through a collaboration between Shyamla E and Shankari J of BINDI BOSSES, along with four talented Tamil performing artists from Australia. Chidambaram R Suresh, Shobana Suresh, Oviya, and Senthuuran Thevarajah showcased their skills and brought the house down!
The performance took place as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Sydney Opera House. The artists delivered eight captivating live shows, each lasting 25 minutes. Can you imagine the energy and excitement they must have felt?
Shyamla, the founder and artistic director of BINDI BOSSES, shared their experience and said, “We were blown away by the global audience dancing to the beats of our 3,000-year-old instruments. It was a moment of immense pride for all of us.” They also mentioned that the event was a perfect opportunity to showcase the depth of Tamil cultural heritage.
The artists dedicated three months to training for this performance. They worked tirelessly to master the traditional folk art forms of Silambam and Parai. Suresh’s brother in Chidambaram guided them in their training. During this process, they felt a strong connection to their roots and realized the healing power of their cultural heritage.
The performance brought together artists from three different generations, with the youngest being eleven-year-old Oviya. Suresh, who blended Bharatanatyam with Silambam, was a standout performer. The chemistry and energy between Suresh and Senthuuran during their Konnakol and Parai Attam performance were simply amazing!
This performance was not just about entertainment; it was also about educating and enriching the global diaspora. The artists made sure that Tamil traditions continue to thrive and resonate across borders and generations. Their performance received praise and admiration from the Indian and global diaspora on social media.
Apart from the incredible performance, the artists also caught the audience’s attention with their custom-designed attire. They wore white organic cotton dhotis paired with bespoke yellow-dyed silk kurtas, complemented by maroon waist and headbands. The attire was a perfect reflection of their cultural roots.
Shyamla, who identifies as gender fluid, shared some valuable advice for aspiring artists. They emphasized the importance of immersing oneself in the art form’s historical and political context and engaging with the practicing community. According to them, there are no shortcuts to mastering the art; it requires dedicated practice.
In the future, Shyamla plans to travel to India to further explore their artistic journey. They are eager to refine their skills in Parai and Silambam while also learning the Tamil language. They hope to collaborate with Tamil folk artists in the future.
In addition to their individual pursuits, BINDI BOSSES, led by Shyamla, is actively involved in meaningful collaborations. They believe that the arts have the power to amplify the voices of indigenous and marginalized communities.
This event at the Sydney Opera House was a testament to the beauty and richness of Tamil Nadu’s folk arts. It showcased the talent and dedication of the artists while celebrating the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. Let’s continue to support and appreciate such incredible performances that keep our traditions alive!