Great creation of Pammal Sambandh Mudaliar Drama Medai Ninaivugal This is a fascinating study of Tamil theater of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as seen through a visit to the Suguna Vilasa Sabha. Written in meticulous detail for the most part, this work documents the vital role played by the Sabha in bringing about a renaissance in theatre, nurturing many talents and troupes. Ahead of Sambanda Mudaliar’s 62nd death anniversary on September 24, take a look at Suguna Vilasa Sabha’s performance in Ceylon and how he inspired the formation of a theater group in the island nation.

In 1909, Sanveda Mudaliar and some friends went on a private tour of Ceylon and visited the Public Hall in Colombo. He inquired about staging the demonstrations there and the cost involved in it. In 1911, Suguna Vilasa Sabha decided to do something it had not attempted before – taking its plays to Ceylon. Sambandha Mudaliar had to face many challenges in the preparations. One of them originated from within the House itself, as a group of Telugu-speaking members protested against the inclusion of a junior artiste who had just joined, at the expense of the senior artistes. Another challenge was getting leave from work for the touring artistes, a matter Sanbhavana Mudaliar herself intervened on behalf of some of them to resolve. Cost also presented a challenge. However, this was taken care of, as a drama contractor agreed to take charge of the entire production, and paid the Sabha a lump sum of Rs 2,500 for staging five plays.

Suguna Vilasa Sabha was located on the first floor of a building adjacent to the old premises of a cinema theater plaza. | Photo Credit: Vino John

Finally, about 50-member delegation traveled to Colombo, where eminent lawyer Sir A. A group of prominent Tamils ​​led by Kanagasabai welcomed him. Sandesa Mudaliar later wrote in her book Naan Kanda Nadaga Kalaignargal The tour attracted huge crowds and began with a staging Lilavati Sulochana. Among the play’s audience was Warwick Major, who had a long lease of the public hall and regularly let it out for performances. This man later etched his name in history by giving Madras its first permanent cinema house, the Electric Theater on Mount Road. Today, this building houses the Philatelic Bureau. Other plays staged include beautiful, Galav Charitram, Amladityan And Sarangdhara. Sir Henry Edward McCallum, Governor of Ceylon, presided over the demonstration. Amladityan (an adaptation of small village). The success of the plays was such that Sir Kanagasabai requested Sambandha Mudaliar to stage another play in aid of the Governor’s Tuberculosis Fund. The assembly staged a comedy play Kadhalar Kangal And the total income, minus half of the expenses, was donated to the fund.

Sambandha Mudaliar writes about the warm hospitality extended to the members of Suguna Vilasa Sabha by people from all sections of the society.

AlexanderA Tamil play based on the life of Alexander the Great was inaugurated in October 1958 as part of the Dussehra celebrations of the revived Suguna Vilas Sabha. Photo Courtesy: The Hindu Archives

Sabha began its second visit to Ceylon in May 1913, this time including Jaffna in its itinerary. After staging five plays in Colombo, the troupe traveled to Jaffna, where conditions worsened. Sambandha Mudaliar fell ill (which he attributed to a severe bout of indigestion brought on by his inability to refuse lavish hospitality at various functions in Colombo!) and the less-than-satisfactory arrangements made by the contractor for their accommodation as well as the performance venue added to the troupe’s troubles. It was decided to return the advance amount taken by Suguna Vilasa Sabha Committee and cancel the tour.

This development led to rumors that the tour was being canceled because the congregation was dissatisfied with its reception. The people of Jaffna considered this an insult to their reputation as gracious hosts. Fortunately, the District Judge, MS Pinto was Sambanda Mudaliar’s classmate at Madras Presidency College. At his behest a group of lawyers took up the task of ensuring that better accommodation and facilities were provided to the members. Ultimately the tour continued and the Sabha received Rs. A surplus of Rs. 1,500, which went towards its construction fund. Like its previous visit, this time a benefit performance was organized at the request of some prominent personalities in aid of Jaffna University.

Suguna Vilasa Sabha now in Chennai. | Photo courtesy: L. srinivasan

During its silver jubilee year in 1916, the Suguna Vilasa Sabha made its last visit to Ceylon. According to Samband Mudaliar, this became a memorable occasion, as he was awarded the title of ‘Rao Saheb’ as part of the king’s birthday honours. This was announced as part of a scene from his popular drama Sabapati. This was welcomed with thunderous applause.

Kalaiyarasu, the legend of Tamil theater in Ceylon. According to Sornalingam, the Suguna Vilasa Sabha tours marked a turning point in the history of theater in the island nation. Inspired by its performance, he founded the Lanka Subodh Vilasa Sabha in 1913, which led to the formation of other troupes in places such as Jaffna. Sornalingam considered Samband Mudaliar as his guru and the latter also recognized him as a distinguished artist in his book. Naan Kanda Nadaga Kalaignargal.

Sambanda Mudaliar’s influence as a theatre-personality truly crossed boundaries.