A colorful cultural bonanza was offered by the Boston Thamil Association on August 9th at the Merrimack College, North Andover, MA. The occasion was their annual art festival (Kalai Vizha). The entire gamete of the program contained rich food for entertainment, ecstasy and thought as well.
 
The program started with the invocation song performed by young children, followed by an ancient drama on the great king Harischandra, the champion of Truth. Though the storyline was very old, the impressive way in which it was presented on stage was quite absorbing, as it emphasized the Triumph of the everlasting virtue, amidst pressing circumstances. All the actors, starting from young children of 4-5 year olds, lived up to their characters while Chandramathi was outstanding. It was quite the reward for the coordinator of the drama, Suresh Sivasithamparam supported by his wife, Saratha. Suresh had revealed a glimpse of his theatrical expertise - like adopting the songs from the original movies and skillfully using the yesteryears popular songs (especially the ghost dance) at the appropriate scenes to bring out the reality of the situation. The drama drew lusty cheers from the capacity audience Next followed two delightful dance numbers, coordinated by Sudha Thillaimbalam. The participating dancers executed swift movement with range and richness. Ensuing was a veena recital with mridangam accompaniments, - all played by young boys but with great understanding, worth the title Sruthi Layam. The kolattam dance was also neatly displayed, which added flavor to the repertoire. The next in line item was Kadalora Kavithai or the Coastal Carol - the life-song of the coastal people in their home land. The actual existence of the lifestyle was extensively exhibited on stage. The message that people in different walks of life conferring to proclaim peaceful coexistence leads to eternal amity was very well portrayed.

The "something something" dance, which followed after the intermission, was quite a hit among the youngsters and the young at heart, for the brilliant choreography and the charming execution. The next program had a thematic sequence in the item "Plight of our People". The artists, from an infant to children, to adults, displayed the untold sufferings endured during the Tsunami onslaught quite elaborately. The young adults' effort in coordinating this item deserves much credit. The presentation did not merely expose the calamities- both lives and properties but carried and emphasized the vital message. It is the people's determination to stand up to the odds, instead of brooding over the loss-and their will to rebuild their lives, that keeps life move on! That true magnanimity lies in rising up after every fall was very well portrayed by the participants. The re-enacting of the scene of the tragedy thrilled the spectators.

Then, there was a scintillating performance of dance by the kids under the heading "Malarum Mottukkal" meaning the budding flowers. But in their rendering the kids proved they are quite the flowers!
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The next in the series was a social drama -Our Home land, centering on a family tormented by the social turmoil and the reunion after long years. The drama conveyed the message that the end result of distress is delight. Other programs that followed maintained the same tempo of entertainment and provided a tasteful feast to the gathering.

The musical program presented by Ms Gowthamy Kanthithasan, Ms. Selvi Satheesh, Mr. Kanthithasan and Mr. Karunaharan was delightful. The challenging soundtracks were masterfully delivered.
 
“Late Night Masala” as usual was the last event of this evening's program. The dancers did a wonderful job combining comedy and dance routines to make this a thoroughly enjoyable item and the audience loved it. Among the many song and dance routines, one of the noteworthy items was the song, “ Selvangalae “ from the movie “Shanthi Nilayam”, performed by an adult and several children.

The organizers of the event had perceived this year's items quite creatively to present each item with a message and it was truly achieved. Yes, in tune with the earlier fixture, Harischandra conveying Satyameva Jayathe to the kappal dance wishing that everyone be saved, to the Tsunami item bringing forth the peoples' determination to arise against odds, all the items conveyed a clear positive message.
 
The President of the Association in his speech informed that it was their 16th Annual Art Festival. No wonder it had all the ebullient jubilation of youthful exuberance and the maturity of a true art festival - conceived, implemented, performed and enjoyed by the community.

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