Sangae Muzhangu productions I directed, as a master prop maker and an excellent dancer. Audience have
always been amazed by what you have put up on stage. Most importantly, to my wife Devi, without whose
support I could have dedicated so much time to the production and my son, Pranav Surya, who fills me
with energy by just smiling.
To you, my audience, I wish that the conversation about the show continues beyond the time you are here.
I hope that the themes and issues discussed resonate with some part of your thoughts. This play is about
the battle to do what is right. But then again, what is right and wrong is in itself questionable. Therein lies
the struggles of the main characters. The theme of war may seem alien to Singaporeans at present but the
world at large is at war constantly against oppression and tyranny. The struggle of good against evil is an
age long battle that occurs in everyday life as well. Thus, I hope to bring the micro battles of life through
the macro theme of war to the audience.
In conclusion, I would like to dedicate the production to Mr Prem Kumar, a friend lost but not forgotten.
Nanthakumar Thamichelvan
G
ood evening to all of you and let me begin by extending my sincere thanks. Your faith, belief and support
in Sangae Muzhangu over the years has brought us to the Esplanade, the finest stage for the arts in Singapore.
It has been a refreshing experience coming back to direct in 2013, after performing as an artiste in 2009,
producing and directing in 2011. Each Sangae Muzhangu with different expectations and demands offer new
lessons. One often finds himself learning as he instructs/directs others and this experience has been no different.
A younger team, more vibrant and with bigger aspirations have taught me much and for this, I
thank the cast and crew – actors whom come for rehearsals after working during the day or attending
hospital calls the night before; dancers who also ‘moonlight’ as props personnel, barely catching sleep;
producers who become canvassing personnel and actors; older and more experienced alumni who
come back to work in manpower positions and offer advice despite being drained during the day.
It is these people that make Sangae Muzhangu the special production that it has grown to become.
Nantha has thanked almost everyone, and I will allow his graciousness to guide us both. However I
must extend my thanks to him for having been a guide as well as a comrade in both artistic sojourns
in 2011 and now in 2013. I also feel indebted to Jay Varman for coming into the production
and being a pillar of strength. My assistant directors, Aruna Ramasamy and Syed Ashratullah,
both of you possess both talent and passion and I am sure you will guide future productions.
Sangae Muzhangu 2013 deals with issues of war and conflict, an issue many of us struggle to grasp.
Yet, it remains a theme often at our doorstep. Our men spend two years of their prime, preparing to
fight, often wondering if precious time was being wasted. We debate issues of nationality, identity,
belonging and the changing demographics of our country endlessly these days. These issues are
brought under a microscope, under extreme circumstances and we hope through our lenses, we
can