Renowned folk theatre artist Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri in the field of Art, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the preservation and modernization of Therukoothu, the traditional street theatre of Tamil Nadu.

A fifth-generation artist from the historic village of Purisai in Thiruvannamalai district, Shri Sambandan has spent over five decades breathing new life into the 700-year-old performance art. His work has ensured that Therukoothu, once limited to temple festivals and village gatherings, now resonates with global audiences.

As the leader of the Purisai Duraisamy Kannappa Thambiran Therukoothu Troupe, he has taken the ancient form to countries like France, Sweden, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and the United States—while also teaching it in schools and theatre academies across India.

Blending tradition with innovation, Sambandan has modernized the form by condensing long-night performances into stage-friendly versions, creating adaptations like Panchali Sabatham and reimagining classics by Chekhov, Brecht, and Subramania Bharati through a Therukoothu lens.

In 2003, he founded the Therukoothu Payirchi Palli (Training School) in Purisai, where he mentors young artists every weekend, ensuring that the art is passed on to future generations in a structured manner.

Speaking on the award, Shri Sambandan said, “Therukoothu is not dying—it is being reborn through new voices. This Padma Shri belongs to every artist who believes our traditions are still alive.”

A vibrant form of Tamil street theatre, Therukoothu combines dance, dialogue, music, and elaborate costume to narrate stories from the epics and folklore. It is both a sacred ritual and a cultural performance, often staged during village festivals and temple events.