We Hold on to What we Can
They say "Chennai is a City but Madras is an Emotion"
Imagine stepping into Madras in the 1980s experiencing the buzz of cinema, music, dance culture of that time period..
thats exactly where we will be taking you with this immersive theatre production.. Sem Mann​
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This is an untold love story within a displaced community that called Madras home in the 80s and still holds on to it as a place of nostalgia
Sem Mann a 3 hour bilingual (Tamil and English) Immersive dance theatre production with a culinary element that engages all 5 senses and unravels the inspiring journey of, a Bharathanatyam Dancer from the Tamil diaspora, Kalaivaani Gunasekaran (Kala). We take you through a year in Madras, India, in 1989, when love transformed Kala's life and fuelled her unwavering fight against genocide.
Through the fusion of live theatre, cinematic visuals, vibrant dance, mouth watering treats of that era, the audience is taken to Madras through a journey of nostalgia from fragmentation to unity—a theme at the heart of the migrant experience. This immersive work explores the deep interconnections between displacement, art, identity, and culture, illuminating the unique struggles and resilience of migrant communities. It draws both artists and audiences into a shared space, inviting a profound emotional connection with the narrative and forging a dynamic dialogue between digital and live realms.
Synopsis
Structure
A Theatrical creation brought to life by an ensemble of over 140 cast and crew members, on stage and screen, from Australia, India, Canada, USA, Sri Lanka, Germany and France telling the poignant story of Tamil identity, language and art as a tool against genocide
An Ode to
Tamil Art Dance and the Displaced
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​​​​​Art has the power to shape civilizations and preserve legacies, as seen through figures like Raja Raja Chola or Shah Jahan, whose monumental works ensure their stories endure. This realization drives my own art , where I aim to give visibility through story telling to the invisible—those whose voices are often overlooked.
One such story is Sem Mann, a tribute to the resilience of the Sri Lankan Tamil community and the sanctuary Madras offered after the 1983 riots. It reflects the struggles of the Tamil diaspora to preserve their identity, where art and the Tamil language became essential tools for survival in the absence of a homeland. Through Sem Mann, I share my personal experience with displacement and the role of art in maintaining cultural identity during times of upheaval.
The cultural richness of 1980s Madras, especially its cinema and music, profoundly impacted the Tamil diaspora. Tamil cinema, alongside the influence of Illayaraja’s music, played a key role in preserving Tamil identity in diaspora communities. Bharatanatyam, often featured in these films, also became a vital part of cultural survival. Through Sem Mann, I aim to honour this influence while highlighting the role of cinema in shaping the practice of Indian classical dance.
Although these are vital elements to my identity, growing up as a migrant in Australia, I faced pressure to conform to Western standards, with my Tamil culture often regarded as shameful. Sem Mann represents my personal decolonization journey, embracing my ethnicity without shame. By telling this story in Tamil and incorporating elements of 1980s cinema, I present my art in its most authentic form, proud to celebrate Tamil culture.
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Be Part of a Groundbreaking Cultural Experience
We’re offering your business a unique opportunity to be part of an extraordinary project as we tour across Australasia with a captivating, multi-sensory production.
This immersive experience weaves storytelling, sound, visuals, taste and performance into a dynamic cultural journey—an ideal platform for your brand to connect with diverse, engaged audiences in a meaningful way.
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As we tour, Chennai, Banglore, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, each venue will be transformed into a vibrant cultural space—a living, breathing marketplace of ideas, stories, and experiences. Think of it as a modern cultural fair, where your products and brand can be featured as part of the world we’re building. Your involvement won’t just be about visibility; it will be about contribution—adding to the richness and vibrance of the overall experience.
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This is more than sponsorship; it’s a collaboration. A chance for your organisation to align with innovation, creativity, and cultural connection on an international stage.
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Let’s talk about how we can bring your brand into this unforgettable journey.
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Contact gjayarraj@shastram.com