Street play campaign across Tamil Nadu: Puthuyugam Padaipom to create awareness on sexual, reproductive rights

CHENNAI: Actor and director Revathi on Sunday inaugurated a Tamil Nadu-wide street play campaign aimed at opening conversations on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), menstrual dignity, bodily autonomy, gender equality and gender-based violence.

The campaign, ‘Puthuyugam Padaipom – Let’s Create a New World’, was launched by the Centre for Women's Development and Research (CWDR) in Alwarpet.

The initiative will use street theatre to take discussions on sexual and reproductive health beyond formal spaces and directly to adolescents, young people, women, families and communities. Following the Chennai launch, performances are planned at educational institutions and in communities across TN.

The street play has been created and directed by Pralayan of Chennai Kalai Kuzhu, known for using theatre to address social issues. The production seeks to present subjects often surrounded by stigma, silence and misinformation in an accessible format while encouraging interaction with audiences.

According to CWDR, the campaign will focus on access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information, women’s and girls’ ability to make informed decisions about their bodies, menstrual dignity, safety and freedom from violence.

Speaking at the launch, KR Renuka of CWDR said, “Sexual and reproductive health and rights are closely linked to women’s dignity, equality, education, safety and freedom. Through Puthuyugam Padaipom, we want adolescents, young people, parents and communities to talk openly about these issues, question harmful gender norms and understand that women and girls have rights over their bodies and their futures.”

The CWDR said that the public performances would be accompanied by audience engagement to encourage discussion, counter misinformation and strengthen community support for adolescent girls and young women. The organisation is banking on the reach of people’s theatre to communicate complex and sensitive issues in a form that is relatable to diverse audiences.

Beyond raising awareness, the campaign seeks to encourage people to challenge discriminatory gender norms, speak out against gender-based violence and advocate for equality.