In November 2024, PENN premiered its original stage production — Velu Nachiyar: The Warrior Queen — at four schools and two colleges across Chennai, bringing the story of Tamil Nadu's first freedom fighter to nearly 2,000 students.
Why a Stage Play?
PENN's core belief is that awareness without emotional resonance fades quickly. Statistics about violence against women can feel abstract to a 16-year-old. A live performance, with real characters making real choices, creates the kind of empathy that lasts.
Velu Nachiyar — the 18th century queen of Sivaganga who led an armed resistance against British colonial rule and fought to reclaim her kingdom after her husband was killed — is one of India's most compelling but under-celebrated figures. Her story is a natural vehicle for discussing courage, agency, justice, and the refusal to accept victimhood.
"I've seen documentaries on women's rights. This was different. I was crying by the end — and thinking about what I would do in her position."
— Student, Class XI, Chettinad Vidyashram
The Production
The 55-minute production featured a cast of 8 PENN volunteers, a mix of professional performers and trained community theatre practitioners. The script was written by a Chennai-based playwright in collaboration with PENN's program team, with dialogue in both Tamil and English.
Each performance was followed by a structured debrief session facilitated by a PENN trainer, guiding students from the emotional experience of the play toward concrete conversations about:
- ✓Women's rights under Indian law
- ✓How to recognise and report harassment
- ✓The role of bystanders in creating safe communities
- ✓Who to contact in a crisis
Schools and Colleges Visited
- ✓Chettinad Vidyashram, RA Puram
- ✓DAV Boys Senior Secondary School, Gopalapuram
- ✓Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Chetpet
- ✓Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram, Kilpauk
- ✓Stella Maris College, Chennai
- ✓Women's Christian College, Chennai
Audience Response
Post-show surveys collected from 1,200 students showed:
- ✓91% said the play made them think differently about women's safety
- ✓78% said they learned something new about their legal rights
- ✓64% said they would talk to a friend or family member about the issues raised
- ✓43% said they would be more likely to intervene if they witnessed harassment
Bringing the Play to Your Institution
PENN's production team can stage Velu Nachiyar at schools, colleges, corporate events, and community gatherings. The play is available in Tamil, English, and a bilingual format. All performances include the post-show debrief.
To book a performance, contact us or email help@penn.org.in. CSR funding is available to sponsor free performances at government schools.