ALAIKKADAL at Max Mueller Bhavan

Alaikaddal | Max Mueller Bhavan | Saturday 13 April | Rs 300 at the door  

" Alaikkadal " is a combination of two tamil words. ‘Alai’ means waves and ‘kadal’ means the ocean. Alaikadal signifies the constant fight of the waves to live. They are trying hard to break on the shore and escape only to be dragged back into the never changing ocean. For us, Alaikadal signifies the coastal communities’ fight against the never ending chains of a persistent modern society.

"Alaikkadal" is rooted in the traditional fishing methods of the coastal communities of the "Dhanushkodi" “Karaivalai” region in Tamil Nadu. A movement based theatrical piece, we aim resonate with the voices of fishermen, their way of life, the daily challenges they encounter, the absence of adequate support, and the underlying causes of their oppression.

Context

Fishing is one of the the primary occupations of coastal communities who depend on the sea for their livelihood. The ‘Karaivalai’ fishing method is deeply rooted in the traditions of Tamil Nadu and certain regions of Sri Lanka. It is an ancient technique that requires sheer physical strength and manual labor rather than technology. The process includes 3 main resources - a boat, a net and man power. One part of the net is left on the shore while the other part is extended into the sea using a boat. 30 to 40 bodies including men, women, and children, together in unison pull the net from the shore to reel in their catch for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours. At the same time, they take work as a celebration and entertainment by singing the folk song "Amba" to invigorate themselves as they work. This cycle usually occurs twice a day. . The profits garnered from the catch are then distributed into three shares: the first share is allocated to the boat owner, the second to the net owner, and the third to the individuals involved in pulling the net. This intricate system reflects a communal effort embedded in the historical fabric of coastal livelihoods.

Contemporary commercial methods like "Surukku valai" which use modern technology don't just catch the fish but also pull in their eggs, thereby causing a disturbance to the ecosystem.This method is more widely used because the size of the yield makes it more viable for commercial fishing. However such modern techniques destroy the natural ecosystem for profit and exploit the labour of the local community.

"Karaivalai" fishing method predates modern technology and embodies a collective spirit that benefits and sustains the local community, coexists with nature and prioritizes environmental sustainability. This stark contrast signifies a commitment to avoiding the detrimental impact on the "food chain" and the pitfalls of excessive labor exploitation prevalent in today's fishing practices. The community’s ethos sets it apart as a society, driven not by greed and profit but by a diligent approach to fishing.

The lifestyle of the fishing community in Rameswaram's Dhanushkodi is also unique to other coastal regions in Tamil Nadu. Theirs is a story of continuance and persistence. Conventional fishing patterns are dictated by wind variations resulting typically in six months of fishing followed by a hiatus in all sea shores. Fishing communities in Dhanushkodi however, with the North Sea and South Sea adjacent to each other, engage work throughout the year. In the aftermath of the 1964 Tsunami disaster the government deemed the area unsuitable for human habitation. However the people of Dhanushkodi persist, navigating through threats and uncertainties, driven by their expertise in sea life. Presently, over 150 to 200 families continue to reside in this area, devoid of electricity, hospital facilities, and secondary school amenities. Fishing remains not only as their primary source of livelihood but also a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.

Bringing to life the tradition through Art

Junafar the director is a native to the region and is a part of the coastal community. A community that has been practicisng this fishing tradition forthe last 300 years. It is a common theme across the country where certain traditional practices, cultures, beliefs and ways of living are privileged to be deemed worthy of preservation in terms of their history and practice. This is often a question mitigated by class and caste. In Rameshwaram it is the same. For an outsider the area is perceived a spiritual place wherein olny specific practices are held in reverence and preserved. Karaivali is not one of those, inspite of its rich history and cultural value. No one has ever documented the way of life of the people of this community. As an artist from

this fishing community, the director wants to echo the life of his community and be its voice.

This fishing tradition and culture holds value not only as a profession. It is built on the practices, culture and traditions of a community that have existed for 300 plus years. It is a representation of the symbiotic relationship between the community and the sea. The development of a self sustained community, a form of ecological sustainability and a culture through this relationship.

The purpose of this piece is to attempt capture this entire ecosystem as a form of remembering and preserving.The traditional "Karaiwalai" fishing has been abandoned in many places today, and only a few people continue to practice it. Thus it is important to pass on this knowledge and culture to the next generations while holding true to its values and ethos. Such a task would be difficult if one were to be restricted to the profession. But through art the imagination can be wider. Considering "Karaiwalai" fishing as a movement, music, celebration, and a community’s joint effort to study it opens many door. "Alaikadal" is not only a reflection of society but also informs the next generations in using art as the medium.

As a choreographer / movement artist himself, the director aims to convey his feelings and

thoughts through physical movements. The production "Alaikkadal" emphasizes the physical labor of Karaivalai fishermen, making it a physical play. The piece integrates contemporary movements, drawing inspiration from the gestures and voices of fishermen. Furthermore, "alaikkadal" seeks to explore a physical form for the the sounds of the labour behind Karaivalai including the "Amba" song, which sets a pulse to the work while alleviating the fishermen’s fatigue and stress. This will be omplemented by traditional folk instruments referenced in ancient Tamil literature associated with the seaside. THis includes the task of restoring ancient music and instruments.The synthesis of music, movement, and visuals ensures that the audience not only gain an external perspective on the ocean but also develop a nuanced understanding of the fishermen as integral figures intricately linked to the expanses of the Ocean.

Furthermore, the director wishes to consider this as a platform to showcase not merely the sorrows and tribulations of the people concealed within him but a wave symbolizing the resilience of his society, representing a form of artistry that echoes not just their struggles but also celebrates their triumphs, much like an eternal wave breaking free without the need for a defined form.

SUPPORT THE PROCESS!

We shave been working on this process for the last 3 months. We believe it is important that such narratives be shared widely as they represent alterate way of living and working, that often are kept to the margins. However to make this happen we need your support. We require Rs 5 Lakh to bring this to life. Your support will cover logistics and productions costs such as costumes, lights, rehearsal space, travel etc. THe cost of a rehearsal space. Payments to the team who have worked tirelessly to date without remuneration. Most importantly it will allow this work totravel. We would like to take this piece to performance venues across the cuntry to share this story. We would also like to perform for the people who shared their lives and stories with us in coastal communities across the country. Please donate and bring this to life!