Curator's Note: Nirupama Vaidhyanathan
I grew up in Chennai and heard Tamizh all around me. I listened to songs and danced to their melodies. But, it was not until I moved to America that I truly delved into this ancient language.
Over the past couple of years, I have traveled with stories from one century to the next up to the present moment unpacking ideas, commentaries and verses. As I read, a deep sense of awe grew as did my humility. The incredible creativity, - the ways in which poets have used rhythm, the unique ideas expressed, the ways in which they respect writers who came before them through subtle references in their own writing - the themes of my astounding discoveries can fill pages! Time and again in hushed silence as I held a book in my hands, I have felt deep respect.
On April 1st, along with my senior students, I leave the silence behind to fill the stage with dance, music and dramatic storytelling. I want to share the joy of discovery I experienced with each one of you.