Sem Mann by Shastram

Sem Mann (Red Earth) is an immersive dance theatre production that pays tribute to the resilience and cultural identity of the Tamil diaspora.

This experimental work explores the Bharathanatyam margam while serving as an ode to the vibrant 1980s Tamil cinema featuring a remarkable cast and crew of over 100 artists from Australia Canada India Germany France and Sri Lanka.

Set against the backdrop of Melbourne in 2006 the narrative follows Eelan a writer in search of inspiration while Kalai Vani's character embodies the shared pain of displacement and the enduring spirit of the Tamil people. This production is a poignant reflection on personal tragedy and the vital role of art and language in preserving identity and confronting the horrors of genocide.

By uniquely blending Bharatanatyam with the music and aesthetics of 1980s cinema Sem Mann creates an immersive experience that merges traditional Tamil storytelling with contemporary Australian techniques engaging audiences in an innovative and deeply resonant way.

Event Venue

R R Sabha, Mylapore, , 30/1, Sundareswarar St, near Lady Sivaswamy School, Girija Garden, Chennai, India