Sunday, December 4, 2016

MADURAI SEED THEATRE WORKSHOP

madurai seed

MADURAI SEED is unique in developing three domains of educational activities such as Cognitive, Affective and Psychomotor skills of Children and Young People. They get variety of exposures through, field trips, summer camps, club activities, and visits of foreigners and so on. Likewise, there are skills and personality development programs to elicit the innate potential of each child. Storytelling, poem writing, book reading, short movies making, theatre acting are included in their routine weekend activities. Those programs focus mainly to identify their hidden talents and to pass a beam of light in their path.

There is always a need for tools to take the literature knowledge to the children. These tools are theatrics, dramatics and street plays which stimulate their mind to obtain literature knowledge and also they act as a catalyst in learning literature and arts.

Last year, a group of young girls and boys in Madurai Seed presented a theatre act on “Women Empowerment” at the American College. Six groups of children from I to X std staged Six dramas in front of Prof. Ilango on world theatre day, in the same year. Those dramas were the stories from the famous English and Tamil writers.

Children spend every weekend with bilingual books, translation novels, leaders’ biographies, comics, short story books, and poems. They first read and then narrate the story to their peer groups. Sometimes they read in groups and act it out to the audience. They develop creative skills by narrating their own stories. When they find their own stories in Madurai Seed journal, they find unlimited happiness.

During a reading session in Madurai Seed library about Shakespeare and his role in English literature, we came across reading summary about his various plays like Romeo-Juliet, Macbeth, Julius Ceaser, and Merchant of Venice. We also came to knew that it was Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary. So, MS young people took interests to stage a play of him.

To commemorate 400th death anniversary of Shakespeare and to take his plays on the hands of our children, Madurai Seed organized a theatre workshop to stage one of the famous tragic plays of him, “MACBETH”.

From 11.07.16 to 15.07.16, Theatre Workshop was given to 23 young people in Madurai Seed. Four days and five evenings, they took part in the workshop actively. This theatre workshop was organized and carried out by Mrs. V. Elavarasi, Mr. Vadivel & Mr. A.S. Karthik Bharathi.

madurai seed

Introducing a Play:

The plot of the story was narrated to the group of young people and then they begun reading about each character in the “Macbeth” book (In our library, we have Shakespeare’s books on various levels according to readers. We selected level 3 to read and understand easily.)

The theme:

“Macbeth, a brave Scottish general, manipulated by his wife, kills Duncan and takes the throne. Afterwards, his guilt and fear leads him to commit murders to secure his power, which leads to his downfall and finally he was killed by Mac duff and the throne was back in the right hands”

Analyzing the characters:

After reading and understanding the characters of the play, the drama techniques were discussed and they plunged into action. Castings for this play were selected based on their performances, given character names and proper information about the sequence of the play.

An English play in our Mother Tongue

Through dialogue, soliloquies, and directions, characters of this play were analyzed. We explored Shakespeare’s play with scripts in Tamil. Executing his play in Tamil would create curiosity and closeness to English plays. So, dialogue sheets were given to them in Tamil. Since, dialogue gives information about the past and subsequent events, more time was provided for them to recite and deliver.

Practice makes performance perfect:

Regular practice was given to the young people (artists) to deliver dialogues, to use props, to use stage and to show development throughout the play. They were given dialogue sheets individually. After they read it, they were given practice to act out the dialogue spontaneously. The reactions for other character’s actions were also included while practicing spontaneity.

As this was a big play with much number of scenes, visualizing the sequence of scenes was important to produce the play without cuts and intervals. For that, the artists practiced the whole play again and again to remember the sequence.
Between each scene, the wooden boxes (sets) on stage have to be changed according to the place where the scene happened. Six boys practiced to keep the boxes in right position, as to show where the actors meet and talk.

Apart from the stage settings, actors were given practice to use swords and daggers. The play begun with soldiers fighting in the battle field, where they had to fight with swords and the play ends with Macbeth and Mac duff fight scenes. Though fighting with swords was difficult, with regular practice it seemed that they fought not acted.

Body language and stage awareness are more important for an artist. Drills on how to stand on stage, how to keep eye contact with the other character, how to deliver dialogues with correct intonations, how to enter and exit from the stage were given.

Soliloquy and monologue were the two main elements in this play. Both were practiced by solitary speakers Kowsalya as Lady Macbeth and Wasim as Macbeth. Though it was a new experience for them, they impressed like the real characters of this play. All these, took five days to produce “Macbeth”.

madurai seed

Productions:

Properties in the play: The main thing a play can be unique by the usage of props on stage. In our play, we used six rectangular wooden boxes (sets) of white and black shades. These gave a different view scene by scene. For example, if it was a palace, two wooden boxes were placed to look like a throne. If it has to be look like three witches’ place those six boxes were arranged like pillars to hide and sing “Foul is fair, fair is foul…” Along with the actors, these static props impressed the audience.

Music in the play: To bring the difference between a usual drama and a stage play like this, a collection of music from various sites was played lively. As this is a tragic play, the background music with sad violin could score the audience. But, additional to that, music using parai was played in between each scene. In fact, that evening was thrilling when the witches entered with high pitches of devil music and sounds of thunder.

Costumes for the actors: It was very interesting to design the costumes for the actors in the play. Designing soldiers’ dresses, witches’ black gown, especially King’s costume was challengeable because Shakespeare period’s protagonist and all other actors were dressed differently. And it was little difficult to show our Macbeth character as a real Shakespeare’s Macbeth. But, we managed and it came out very well. We went to the garments, selected materials and designed perfect costume for every artist in the play.

Stage: All the elements of a play like background music, dialogues, costumes can work together very effective when executed on a stage with proper view of the audience. Also, it would enhance the performance. For that, we planned to stage it in CESCI, where there is a big space to perform.

Targeted Audience: Staging a play is definitely for the audience view. It may be peer groups, experienced theatre artists, cine directors, etc., but for this play, the audience were mixed group of people, Ms. Andrea Wilson from Zurich, Prof. Prabahar from The American College, Mr. Thanraj Radhai, Teachers, Kids & so on.

Rehearsal: After continuous practice during the workshop, all young people had a run-through at CESCI ON 16.07.16. They stayed there for two days and two nights. They took one day for rehearsal, and next day for dress rehearsal and that evening to stage “Macbeth”. During rehearsals, they corrected their mistakes, they measured the stage with their eyes and they used swords made of steel for fight scenes. Fun gone and seriousness came in their face during dress rehearsals. Full run through with their costumes brought confidence that there hides an artist in every one.

Executing “Macbeth” on stage:

The flash that appeared in our mind to stage the play of Shakespeare turned into rays of light when our Young People staged it first at CESCI ON 17.07.16. The big auditorium with various levels of spectators welcomed the artists in the evening. The play begun from the battle field where soldiers fought, then the scene becomes interesting with the witches entry, the play moved on with the success, guilt, fear of the protagonist, his defeat and the victory of Scottish Prince.

Audience appreciated the performance of the actors, the stage settings, fight sequences, music, and very much impressed by the soliloquy of Kowsalya as Lady Macbeth and the performance of Wasim Khan as Macbeth. Our first staging of “Macbeth” play was really an appreciative effort and so it received big rounds of applauses. THANK YOU.

Documented by V. Elavarasi
madurai seed



Saturday, November 19, 2016

Puduyugam Children's Magazine

26th Issue Release

Girl Children's Special 


Overwhelmed by the presence of eminent guests Prof. P.Sumedha, Prof. T D Ponmalar from Fatima College, Journalist Ms Indhu Loganathan, Tr. Ms Malathy, Dr Usha, Mrs Viji Muruges and Tr. Ms Mariammal, the launching ceremony of PuduYugam Journal release, sowed inspirational quotes in Children.

madurai seed

A short gist from the speech of our guests:
"Seek for Self-development" quoted by Ms Indhu,
"Let be independent, be strong, be loved" elucidated by Ms T D Ponmalar
"Let us give effect to the rights of women" discussed by Ms P. Sumedha"Nothing is impossible when you have courage" briefed by Dr Usha

They appreciated the excellent writings of girl children in the journal. Particularly, one of the guests marked that "Literature has love in itself, and #MaduraiSeed ians have the love for the literature!!" and added " It's happy to see the kids here at #MaduraiSeed are growing with contemplating art and literature thoughts. A kind of wish and dream come out in the form of words from the children like you shows your thirsts for creativity!!"

Children were enthused by their speech, driven to the fields of Journalism & Literature,Their talk instilled a strong attitude that nothing is elusive to achieve.
The gathering, journal launch, speech of guests and kids, ended with presenting gifts and taking selfies!!

Our sincere and heartfelt Thanks to all of you who made our 26th edition of Pudhuyugam a remarkable one!! Thanks & Best Wishes to you all!!



Written By Elavarasi Karthik


It was a very different and spectacular eve(s)ning yesterday at Madurai seed. Though we missed a few moments, in the beginning, the kids gave a rousing welcome and this warmth makes us emotionally charged every time we visit them.

Karthik had come out with the emphasis/theme of 'empowering the girl child' for this
year's edition of 'Puthuyugam'. It was a fitting tribute to this great movement or rather a 'phenomenon' happening not just in India, but around the world for a few decades.

The guests of honour were enthusiastic, energetic and vibrant. Their influence was
so strong that the meeting turned into a very informal gathering in a few minutes from its start.

Ms.Indu, a student reporter of Vikatan( a leading tamil magazine) was the first to speak. She struck a fine bonding with the audience and shared her experiences in her journey towards taking up journalism.

Then spoke Prof.Sumedha who articulated life of a typical indian female with her own experiences. Her interaction was simple, humourous but very influential. I am sure her message would have left a strong impact among the girl students. She ended with a very inspiring story.

Prof.Ponmalar was next to speak. She came out wonderfully with the practical difficulties that woman folks face especially when they travel alone/staying away from home... I felt she is one of the torch-bearers in this movement and will go places.

She was followed by Dr.Usha. I need to introspect and check myself if I even deserve to write about her....for me personally, Dr.Usha not only stole the evening but our hearts and minds.

Next was Viji's turn and she went on to emphasise male's role in this whole movement....true....., a clap is heard only when both hands come together.

Ela followed her with her experiences in life and went on to dedicate her success to Karthik.

Mariammal teacher recollected her association with her students and wished them success.

Indu's mother(sorry for not knowing her name) though was reluctant to talk initially, sprang a surprise with her crisp and focused talk. She is a great orator and it was heartening to know from her about 'Gender sensitisation' being implemented in corporation schools in Tamilnadu.

Karthik's consistency with conceptualising and organising events in such a meticulous manner amazes me. His team spirit and motivational force are the driving factors behind such achievements. I am so happy for Ela as she has been playing a phenomenal role in the activities of MS. I came to understand that it was Ela's effort to bring such a wonderful line of guests for this event. I wish them both and the 'Team Madurai seed' all the best and pray God that they all be blessed.

Written By Murugesan.K



MADURAI SEED at a Glance 2015 - 2016

We provide a fruitful, fun-filled, resourceful environment for children and young people to learn, to express, to work together, to share ideas, and to get hands-on experience. These activities enrich them with knowledge and life skills across various subjects. They don’t get such exposures in schools and families where our intervention finds a strong purpose and delivers favourable impact. The year 2015-16 was the year of activities given much importance to teamwork and self-expression. The skills and personality development activities prepare them to encounter the larger society with much confidence. 




Watch more videos in our channel https://www.youtube.com/user/maduraiseed1999/videos


MADURAI SEED Diwali & Vizhuthugal Alumni Meet

Celebrating Togetherness


Diwali: Lights, crackers, new dress, sweets. Madurai Seed alumni meet also joined on the list for the past few years. This Diwali again brought together our alumni on 28th October 2016 at Gandhi Museum, the day before actual Diwali. It is a great joy to see the happy faces of children, which draws us back to our own childhood. This year’s meet was planned in such a creative manner. There were groups divided with children and young people for each corner. The alumni went to each corner and had nice time speaking with children and young people.  

Registration: Here, the alumni were given welcomed and given beautiful cloth badge. Alumni has written their job profiles and contact details. 

Photo Booth: Alumni took photos behind a banner. The banner had a picture of big banyan tree with aerial roots, birds were flying towards the tree, what a perfect background. 

Lighting Diyas: Alumni lighted Diwali lamps. Children gave them a smiley badge, and Diya made of clay as Diwali gifts. 

Handprint Corner: Hands brushed with green colour, pressed down on paper. Here came the hand print. They have taken a photo with their handprint behind a wooden frame.  

Selfie & Mehndi: Alumni took a selfie with children and young people. The children drew mehndi designs on alumni’s hand. 

Slam Book Writing: Alumni had written their feelings on paper about how they are feeling today and how Madurai Seed supported them. 

Sweets Corner: Sweets, savouries, and tea provided to all.  

This year Ganeshbabu and P.Manikandan came with their spouse and kids. It is happy to see people who came to Madurai Seed as kids coming again with their own kids again. Karpaga Jothi participated with her husband. 

Muniyasamy, ArunKumar, Muthupandi, Magudapathi, Ramki, Balamurugan, Suresh Kannan, Priya, Parvathi, and Karpaga Selvi took part in the meeting. (O.Manikandan and Ganesh Kumar joined on the day of Diwali after the meet)

The alumni are working in various arenas of society like teachers, engineers, manager, research scholar, accountant, content writer, and other rewarding private jobs.     

32 people have given their subscriptions. (Rs. 3840)
9 people have donated. (Rs. 5130)

Ganesh Babu gave an emotional speech on how Karthik Anna and Seed helped him. He wrote 10th std exams as a private student (like home-schooling). Along with him many studied that year under the supervision and guidance of Karthik Anna and passed the exams with decent marks. He shared the supports rendered by Seed to finish 12th std successfully. He asked the current students and volunteers to make use of the resources, and guidance and wished them all the best.  

Finally, children and young people enthralled everyone with their non-stop dance performances. 

It is a beautiful moment and motivation for each alumnus, seeing, talking with Karthik Anna, Elavarasi Anni, Mansur Anna, volunteers, young people, and children.  

This event enhanced the relationship among the alumni and enabled them to discuss on various matters. The alumni reaffirmed to strengthen the bond between them and their alma mater. Hope, the next year the number of participants will increase and some of them may get to participate with their spouse and babies. 

I am concluding the report with “Together Everyone Achieves More” and we are here to celebrate that togetherness. Let our values and goals guide us; let friendship and kindness illuminate our paths. Thank you, everyone.                                                  - ArunKumar C

madurai seed young people 

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Vasantham Summer Camp 2016

MADURAI SEED's summer camp: The most awaiting event of Madurai Seed, Vasantham Camp was conducted from 30.04.2016 to 05.05.2016 for six days at Kambam, a country side nearly 100 kilometers away from Madurai. This residential camp took place at St. Mary’s Martic School in Kambam. madurai seed children

Here come the camp tidbits:
  • Everyday started at 5.00Am and closed at 10.00Pm, from wakeup to bedtime things were planned effectively and enjoyable. 
  • The camp was comprised of many sessions like exercises, yoga, personality development seminars, fun games, picnics, cultural programs, arty crafty events like Warli painting, paper crafts, paper lantern, and crafts from waste things. 
  • Totally 90 people participated in the camp. Among 78 are children. They were divided into 6 teams. 12 volunteers assisted the teams. 5 volunteers worked as organizers.
Participated Children : 78      Team Volunteers : 12
Organizing Volunteers : 05      Staff : 02
Cooking crew : 03
The camp accommodated 100 people.
  • ·   Tasks like saying thought for the day, providing tea, serving food, fetching water, cleaning, daily report writing, daily feedback collection, first-aid, compering were divided between the teams each day.
  • ·  Elavarasi took the role of camp director ideated the activities, and planned. She conducted 6 different types of activities, fun games, and exercise sessions. Karthikbharathi took care of the organizing side, and facilities. He was further assisted with Volunteers Ramki, and Nagarjun. Photos were captured by volunteer Vignesh. Food preparation was overtaken by Velumani and team. 
  • Jessy Mathews, Head Mistress of St. Mary’s School inaugurated the camp. Our Trustee Teacher. Ms. Mariammal took part in the valedictory program. 
  • As speakers and visitors 15 people took part in the camp taught the input sessions, observed the craft things, and encouraged the children. 
  • Social values, hard work, perseverance, self-confidence, physical work, natural resources, women achievers, and geographical details about Kambam valley, Suruli falls, and Mullai-Periyar dam were given as input sessions. 
  • Children enjoyed the picnics to Suruli falls, and Mullai-Periyar. 
  • The village people and St. Mary’s school children witnessed the art and craft things every day. 
  •  Grapes, the specific produce of Kambam were distributed to children.
  • The camp was executed well in line with the objectives of Madurai Seed such as enriching creativity, spending productive time, love for nature, doing physical work, working in teams, enhancing self-confidence, being self-expressive, and being happy.  
  • This was Madurai Seed's 10th summer camp in the name of Vasantham. We thank Friends of Madurai Seed for helping us to conduct the camp successfully every year. We also thank Prof.Prabhakar, Head mistress. Jessy Mathews, Teachers Sathyaraj and Bhaskar for their help.
Thank you all.
Lots of love from Madurai Seed children and young people

Report by: K. Karthik, B.Sc, Maths, Second Year.

Check out this video of Madurai Seed's Vasantham Summer Camp

 madurai seed children

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Annual Report 2015-2016

Dear Madurai Seed Friends and Supporters                                                                                                   
Vanakkam. Madurai Seed is rendering its services for the disadvantaged children and young people of Madurai for the past 17 years. This 17 years of journey was possible just because of you. We proudly present you our 9th annual report after the registration.

We strongly believe with education we can eradicate poverty. In 2015-16 Madurai Seed touched over 1000 children’s lives with our direct and indirect initiatives.

In 2015-16, in our education centers 34 finished 10th std, 30 finished 12th std, 4 young people got placements in the final semester, 3 are going to pursue post-graduation. 90% of these students are the first members in their families to study higher secondary and college education.

Madurai Seed’s role in educational and vocational guidance has a strong need in an area like Karumbalai for the higher education and college going aspirants.

The skills and personality development activities prepare them to encounter the larger society with much confidence. Lack of exposures, and resources shouldn’t be a problem for children and young people from a low income area for their development. They should also get equal opportunities. Yes, we are achieving that gradually. The growing number of higher education aspirants and their job profiles are the proofs.

Our unique functional style is “Children turning into Volunteers”. The children who grew up in Madurai Seed come forward to do any kind of work to support the organization as volunteers during their college life. They also form an alumni association as an extension when they go for jobs. We are proud, some of the alumni have turned as donors and do other resource works to support the organization. This culture will cherish further.

I thank Asha-Boston chapter, Friends of Madurai Seed, KFR School, donors, advisors, friends, fellow trustees, staff and volunteers for their great support in bringing up the children and the young people to live up to their dreams.Thanks for your continuous support and kind.

With love
Karthik Bharathi A.S.
Managing Trustee
madurai seed report cover

Read the full annual report in our website www.madurai-seed.org

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

MADURAI SEED in Facebook

For recent updates visit Madurai Seed's Facebook page.
Don't forget to "Like"

https://www.facebook.com/maduraiseed

MADURAI SEED Photos

education center

education center

library

vasantham camp

drama team

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MADURAI SEED Photos










WHAT IS MADURAI SEED?

What is Madurai Seed?
Watch this video.