BIO-DATA

 

PERSONAL PARTICULARS                                                                  

 

Name:                                       T. BALASARAVANAN

Father Name:                            Late.  N. Thiruvambalam

Nationality:                                Indian

 

Permanent Address:                  ‘KARUMBAGAM’

                                                No: 10, III Cross Street, Sundara Murthi Vinayaga Puram (W),

Villianur, Pondicherry – 605 110

 

 

E-mail:                                      basan1908@yahoo.com

 

Language Proficiency:                English and Tamil

 

Area of Specialization:                Lighting Design in Drama & Theatre Arts

 

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

 

Name of Examination

Name of institution / University

Field of Study

%

Class/

Grade

Year

Ph.D. (Drama and Theatre  Arts)

School of Performing Arts,

Pondicherry University

‘Semiotics of Lighting Design’

 

-

 

-

Thesis Submitted on 11 Jan 2002

Awarded 2004

M.A. (Drama and Theatre Arts)

School of Performing Arts,

Pondicherry University

Drama and Theatre Arts

63.6

I

1992

M.A. (Journalism and Mass Communication)

Madurai Kamaraj University

Mass Communication

 

-

 

-

Result Awaited

Diploma in Anthropology

Pondicherry Institute of Linguistics & Culture

Ethnographic Studies

60-69

A

1992

P. G. Diploma in Science and Technology Communication

Center for S&T Communication

Pondicherry University

Communication

57.2

II

1993

AVID Certificate of Accomplishment

AVID Training Center Mumbai

Non-Linear Digital Editing (Video, Audio)

_

_

1996

B.Sc.

University of Madras

Botany

52.75

II

1989

Certificate

Small Industries Development Organization

Computer Hardware Service Engineering

-

-

1994

 

WORKING EXPERIENCE

 

After completing my Postgraduate study, I am working as a Freelance Theatre Lighting Designer and Digital Non-Linier Editor, in Chennai and Pondicherry from 1993 onward.  I am working with ‘Magic Lantern’ Theatre group as a Lighting Designer and Actor Trainer until now.  In Pondicherry, I have worked along with theatre groups and individual theatre directors as a Lighting Designer, Set designer, Actor Trainer and Director.

 

TEACHING AND WORKING EXPERIENCES

 

Year

Employer

Post Held

Nature of Duties

2003 to until now

School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University

Temporary Lecturer

Teaching Lighting, Setting, Theatre Architecture, Mass communication

1993 to until now

Magic Lantern Theatre Group, Chennai

Lighting Designer,

Actor Trainer

Lighting Design &           Execution,

Training the Performer

 

 

1) Teaching

 

2003 to until Now           School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University,

Subjects: Theatre Technology: Lighting and Setting, Mass Communication, Acting Theory, Theatre Architecture, Project Guidance

 

July 2002                      Centre for Professional Development Education, Anna University,

Guest Lecturer,

Subject: Lighting Design for Film and Television

 

Jun 1993 - Jan/1995       Y. G. P. Academy of Fine arts, Lecturer (Part-time),

Subject: Film theory and Acting.

 

2) Theatre & Drama

 

LIGHTING EXPERIENCE

 

Major Lighting Design Projects (Utilized nearly 100 to 400 Lights with Analogue or Digital DMX 512 Controllers)

 

1998        Molier’s “Vesakkran” (Tartuffe) (Duration One and half-hours, Tamil) Directed by Pravin,

Art Director: Hans Kousic, Script adaptation; E. Kumaravel, Produced by “Magic lantern”.

 

This production has traveled various part of India.  Nearly fifty shows are performed in big cities and remote villages.  Therefore, it is a challenge for a lighting designer to cop-up with the auditorium and available equipment.  In National School of Drama’s 4th National theatre festival DMX 512 based controlling system with 120 lights are utilized, at the same time while playing in the village we have utilized very few halogen flood light with six channel Dimmer.

 

1999        Kalki’s “Ponniyin Selvan” (Duration Four and half-hours, Tamil) Directed by Pravin,
Art Director: Thota Tharani, Script: E. Kumaravel, Produced by ‘Magic Lantern’, at YMCA Open Air Theatre, Chennai. 

 

In this play, approximately 100 feet wide 70 feet depth more than 25 feet height Set and Scenic design with various levels of set elevation and perspective demanded detailed Lighting design.  In this production, One Hundred and Fifty Six (156) Lights are utilized.

 

2000        “Erandayarithil Oruvan” Music Concert, (Duration Four hours, Tamil) Release of music album by Funky Bodhi, at IIT Stadium, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai

 

Set and Scenic Design, dimensions about wide 60feet x depth 70 feet x height 30feet.  In this production more then Four Hundred (400) Lights are utilized, because of the four set level and the placement of Orchestra on the first level Singer and Performers on the middle Front level demanded a complex Lighting design.  Apart from this: fire works, neon lighting effects, automated lights, special effect projectors, light scanners, follow spots and smoke generators are used extensively with state of the art German M.A. Console(DMX 512), M.A. Electronic Digital Dimmers(DMX 512).  Apart from this, Raj T.V. live telecasted this program.

 

2000        “No More BHoPALS”, (Duration Four hours, Tamil) a Musical Concert for peace, at Open Air Auditorium, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai.

 

               The global roaming Green peace Ship’s Rainbow Warrior’s arrival at Chennai, celebrated through a Musical Concert.  The stage dimension 50 feet width x 40 feet depth 30 feet height demanded nearly 150 lights, with moving lights, follow spots, and smoke dispensers.

 

2002        Shakespear’s “Pattam” (Richard III) (Duration Four hours, Tamil) Directed by Pravin Art Director: Thota Tharani Produced by Magic Lantern, at YMCA Open Air Theatre, Chennai.

              

               Set design dimensions about 60 feet width x 70 feet depth x 20 feet height.  One hundred and twenty five (150) lights are used with SGM dimmers and controller.

 

2003        “Baliyadugal” (Duration: 1 hour, Language: Tamil) Directed by Prof. Dr. K.A. Gunasekaran, Produced by Thannane Theatre Group, at Vikrisht, National School of Drama’s 5th National Theatre Festival, Delhi.

 

               The centre of the stage is an imaginary divider in between the     Dalits and the so called upper class dominated by Brahminism.  Therefore, the entire lighting plans have been designed to indicate the difference and interrelation between them.  Nearly 100 lights are used to devise the plan appropriately.

 

2003        “Veshakkaran” (Duration One and half hours, Tamil) Directed by Pravin, Art Director: Hans Kousic, Produced by Magic Lantern, at Abhimanch, National School of Drama’s 5th National Theatre Festival, Delhi.

              

               This is an unique production with contrast experience.  In one hand when we performed in villages we used about 12 lights maximum with or without dimmers.  On the other hand, in proscenium theatre mostly available in towns, we used 50 to 150 lights with simple Analogue or sophisticated Digital DMX 512 controllers.

 

2004        ‘Mr. Mrs. Macbeth’ (Duration One and half-hours, Multi-lingual) Dir: V.N. Vinod, at Sammuk Auditorium, National School of Drama’s 6th National Theatre Festival, Delhi.

 

 

2004        “Minnal Ravi” (Duration One and half hours, Tamil) Direction and Art Direction: Hans Kousic, Produced by Magic Lantern, at Sri. Ram Centre Auditorium, National School of Drama’s 6th National Theatre Festival, Delhi.

 

2004        Moliar’s “Hypochondriac” (Duration One and half-hours, English) at Women’s Christian College Auditorium, Pro: WCC and Magic Lantern, Chennai

 

2005        Chandirasekara Kambar’s “Sambasivam” (Duration One and half hours, English) Dir: Hans Kousik, Dr. M.G.R. Janaki College for Women and Magic Lantern Production at Dr. M.G.R. Janaki College for Women Auditorium.

 

2005        Technical consultant (Lights and Audio) to ‘Perchance to Dream’ (Duration One and half-hours, English), based on plays of Shakespeare, by “Footsbarn” Travaling Theatre for The Prithivi Festival at Chennai.

 
Significant Lighting Design Projects

 

1990        Trevor Harvey’s “Vaz-k-kai Payanam” (Tamil) Dir: by Gopen at School of Performing Arts

1991        Edward Bond’s “Block Mass” Dir: by Manu Jose at School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry

1991        Prapanjan’s “Agaligai” (Tamil) Dir: by Dr. A. Ramasamy Tripatur, Pondicherry

1991        Jean Genet’s “Maids” (Tamil) Dir: by T. Balasaravanan at School of Performing Arts

1992        “Antigone” (Tamil) Dir: by Shibu S. Kottaram for ‘Aptist’ Theatre Group, Pondicherry

1992        Jean Paul Satre’s “No Exit” (Tamil) Dir: by T. Balasaravanan at SOPA, Pondicherry University

1992        Bertold Brecht’s “Beggar or Dead Dog” (Tamil) Dir: by R. Ramalingam at Alliance Française, Pondicherry

1992        Pudumaipethan’s “Sirpiyin naragam” (Tamil) Dir: by Dr. A. Ramasamy for ‘Kutu-k-kural’

1992        Moliar’s “Suba Mugurtham” (Tamil) Dir: by Kanagaraj at Alliance Fracaise, Pondicherry

1992        Eugene O’Neil’s “Emperer Jones” (Tamil) Dir: by Mena Poul at School of Performing Arts

1992        G. Sankarpillai’s “Kugai” (Tamil) Dir: by Paulraj at School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry

1992        Jean Paul Satre’s “No Exit” (Tamil) Dir: T. Balasaravanan at School of Performing Arts

1993        Indira Parthasarathi’s “Kovil” (Tamil) Dir: R. Ramalingam, ‘Aattak-k-kararkal’, Pondicherry

1993        Dr. K.A.Gunasekaran’s “Peyottam” (Tamil) Dir: Pethannan

1993        Rabinranath Tagore’s “Klippadam” (Tamil) Dir:Minnal, SOPA, Pondicherry University

1993        J.Y. Singe’s “Raiders to the Sea” (Tamil) Dir: Dr. P. Anantha Krishnan, at Pondicherry.

1993        Inesco’s “Rhinoceros” (Tamil) at Alliance Frances, Pondicherry

1993        Dr. A. Ramasamy’s “Oru Nutrandu Kizavanin Natkurippu” (Tamil) Dir: Shibu S. Kottram, SOPA, Pondicherry University.

1993        Horward Bronten’s “Heads” (Tamil) Dir:T. Boobalan at Pondicherry and Cuddalore.

1993        Dr. K.A.Gunasekaran’s “Paliyadugal” (Tamil), Dir:Dr. K.A.Gunasekaran, at Kamban Kalai Arangam, Pondicherry.

1993        Mahendra Varma’s “Bhagavadajjukeeyam” (Tamil) Dir:Manu Jose Pondicherry

1993        Euripides’s “Mediea” (Tamil) Dir: M. Jeeva for ‘Aptist’, Pondicherry

1993        Sophocleus’ “Antigone” (Tamil) Dir: M. Jeeva for ‘Aptist’, Pondicherry

1993        Euripides’s “Mediea” (Tamil) Dir: M. Jeeva for ‘Aptist’, Pondicherry

1994        “Arikuri” Dir: K.A. Gunasekaran for ‘Thannane’, Pondicherry

1994        “Arivayo Ennae’ (Tamil), Dir: M. Jeeva, Theatre Meet-94, SOPA, Pondicherry

1994        “The frozen feet”, Dir: Shibu. S. Kottaram, Meet-94, SOPA, Pondicherry

1994        “Saritiratheen Athita Musiam” (Tamil) Dir:Muruga Boopathi, “Citrarangam”, Chennai

1994        “Nagamandala” (Tamil) Dir: Dr. M. Jeeva, “Citrarangam”, Chennai

1994        Jayamohan’s “Sidhai” Dir: E. Kumaravel, at YGP Auditorium, Chennai

1994        Sankarpillai’s  “Nzhalgal”  Dir: E. Kumaravel and T. Balasaravanan for YGP. Academy, Chennai

1995        “Thanithrukapattavargal”(Tamil) Direction: Muruga Boopathi, “Citrarangam”, Chennai

1995        “Naivedhyam” (Tamil) Dir: R.K. Ramanathan, Museum Theatre, Egmore, Chennai

1995        Mahendra Vikrama Pallava’s “Bhagavadajjukeeyam” (Tamil) Dir:T. balasaravanan, at YGP Auditorium, Chennai

1995        Udattam – a Mime Play Dir: T. Balasaravanan, at YGP Auditorium, Chennai

1996        Dastavoski’s “Marana Vettin Kuripugal” (Tamil) Dir:Muruga Boopathi, Chennai

1997        Ou vas-tu, “Jeremie” by P. Minyana, (Tamil) Dir: by Pravin for Magic Lanterns, Chennai

1997        Okot p’ Bitek’s “Song of Lawino’ (English) Dir: Dr. K.R. Usha and Harini Sankaranarayan at Ethiraj College Auditorium, Chennai

2000        Jules Romain’s “Dr. Knock” (Tamil) Dir: Dr. M. Ramasamy, for Magic Lantern, Chennai

2000        Dario Fo’s “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” (English) at Museum Auditorium Dir: Rajiv Krishnan, for Magic Lantern, Chennai

2000        Murga Boopathi’s “Vanathathi” (Tamil) Dir: Muruga Boopathi, Theatre Festival 2001, Tanjur University.

2002        Indira Parthasarathi’s “The Legend of Nandan” (English) at Ethiraj College, Chennai

2003        Dario Fo’s (The Virtuous Burglar) “Minnal Ravi” (Tamil) Dir: Hans Koushik for Magic Lantern, Chennai

2003        Moliere’s “Veshakkaran” (Tartuffe) (Tamil) Dir:Pravin, at 5th National Theatre Festival, Abimunch Auditorium, National School of Drama, Delhi.

2003        Karthikeyan’s “Sirapathigaram”, Dir: C. Karthikeyan, “Kalam Theatre Festival – 2003” at Alliance France, Pondicherry

2003        Vinod’s “Mr.&Mrs. Macbeth”, Dir: V.N. Vinod, “Kalam Theatre Festival – 2003” at Alliance France, Pondicherry

2003        “Puthiyathoru Veedu”, Dir: S. Suntheresh, “Kalam Theatre Festival – 2003” at Alliance France, Pondicherry

2003        “Pasmasooran”, Dir: A. Vimalraj, “Kalam Theatre Festival – 2003” at Alliance France, Pondicherry

2004        Dario Fo’s ‘Minnal Ravi’ Tamil, Dir: Hans Kousic, at 6th National Theatre Festival, ‘Sri Ram Center’ Auditorium, Delhi

2004        ‘Nilaakutam’ Dir: L. Ravi, Pro: ‘Kalam’ Pondicherry, at Abimunch Auditorium, “Jashnebachpan” National Theatre Festival for Children 2004, National School of Drama, Delhi.

2004        Valarmathi’s “Parama Padam” Dir: K.S. Karuna. Prasad, Pro: “Mundram Arangu” at Alliance francaes, Chennai.  Lighting Execution by: E. Velaudam

 

 

DIRECTING EXPERIENCE IN THEATRE

 

1991       Jean Genet’s “Maids” at School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University

1991        “Athiyelle Mamsam Irunthdu” at School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University

1992       Jean Poul Sartre’s “No Exit” at Pondicherry University

1993        Pritish Grandi’s (Refund) “Thrippi-k-kudu” for ‘Kuttu-k-kural’ Theatre group, Pondicherry

1993        Dr. Lashimi Narayan Lal’s “Arimugam” for ‘Kuttu-k-kural’ Theatre group, Pondicherry

1994        Balasaravanan’s “Fivelari” at “International Workshop on Filarial Disease”, Vector Control Research Centre (ICMR), Pondicherry

1994        Janagapriya’s “Motha Kolaigal Eni Kuduthal Valarchi Ena Ariyapadum” for ‘Kuttu-k-kural’ Theatre group, Script adaptation by: T. Balasaravanan, Pondicherry

1994       “Nizhalgal” for YGP Academy of Acting and Fine Arts, Chennai

1995       “Udattam” for YGP Academy of Acting and Fine Arts, Chennai

1995        Mahendra Vikrama Pallava’s “Bhagavadajjukeeyam” for YGP Academy of Acting and Fine Arts, Chennai

 

ACTING EXPERIENCES

 

1989-94 In “Pallaku Thukigal” acted as ‘Actor no.3’ role, Directed by Dr. A. Ramasamy

1990      In “Akaligai” acted as ‘Visvamitrar’, Writer: Prapanjan, Directed by Dr. A. Ramasamy

1990      In “Sathya Sothanai” acted as ‘Judge’, Directed by Dr. K.A. Gunasekaran

1990      In “Manthirakkol” acted as ‘Actor 2’, Dir: by Dr. Anandhakrishnan and E. Kumaravel

1991     In “Ghost” acted as ‘Engstrand’, Directed by Paul Raj

1991      In “Che Guvera” acted as ‘Actor No: 1’, Directed by Shibu S. Kottram

1991     In “Manushan” acted as Manushan, Dir: K.Vijayalakshmi

1991      In “Viduthalai’ acted as ‘Jailor’, Directed by T.V. Gopinathan

1991     In “Iraichal” Produced by Students of School of Performing Arts

1992      In “Kala Yendrangal’ acted as ‘Ramabrahman’, Directed by S. Ramanujam

1992      In “Narkali-k-karan” acted as ‘Narkali-k-karan’, Directed by Shibu S. Kottram

1992      In “Iruthiyattam” acted as ‘Veerasenan’ by Indira Parthasarathi, Dir: Dr. C.J. Thomas

1992      In “Chanakkiyan” acted as ‘Mandiri’ Directed by Kanagaraj

1992      In “Anuman Thoodu” (Threu-k-koothu) acted as ‘Neelan’ Dir. Kannppa Thampiran

1992     In “Niyayangal” Actor 2, Dir: A. Ramasamy

1993      In “Mothakoligal” acted as ‘Actor No.7’, Directed by T. Balasaravanan

1993     In “Kanavugal Pazhpadum Nagaram” Written and Directed by T.Arunan

1994      In “Niyayangal” acted as ‘Actor No.2’, Directed by Dr. A. Ramasamy

1995      In “Thrippi-k-kodu” acted as ‘Head Master’, Directed by T. Balasaravanan

 

SEMINAR / PAPERS PRESENTATION

 

  1. “Theatre and Science Communication” for ‘National seminar on Public Understanding of Science’, Organized by Centre for Science and Technology Communication, Pondicherry University (1994).  Sponsored by Developmental Studies of Science, Varanasi (U.P)
  2. “Theatre as an Environmental Education Tool” for Environmental Education Bank Work Shop at Centre for Environmental Education (CEE), Ahmedabad.  From 27th March to 31st March 1995, for developing material and objectives for Eco Clubs
  3. Participated “Theatre Meet-1997” at Pondicherry University as a reviewer
  4. “Dramatic text to Lighting text” in ‘Indian Society for Theatre Research (ISTR), First International Conference’ from January 16 – 18, 2004, at Sarojini Naidu School of Performing Arts, Fine Arts and Communication, University of Hyderabad, In Collaboration with International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR).
  5. “Augusto boal’s Aesthetic of Theatre of the oppressed’ Sakithya Academy and Department of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University 10.02.2005

 

Scholarship received

 

1.  Ministry of Science and Technology, Scholarship for studying P.G. Diploma in Science and Technology Communication at Pondicherry University (1993)

                                                       

2.  Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Pondicherry, Scholarship for doing Ph.D.
at Sri.  Sankaradas Swamigal School of Performing Arts, Pondicherry University (1995)

 

    

AWARDS RECEIVED

 

“KALAM THEATRE DESIGNER AWARD” June 2nd 2004, in collaboration with Govt. of Pondicherry and Alliance Française, Pondicherry

 

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS OR SOCIETIES

 

  1. Active member in “MAGIC LANTERN” Theatre group, Chennai, 1993
  2. Active member in CIT Cine technicians of India, Chennai, 1996
  3. Member in ISTR (Indian Society for Theatre Research) 2004
  4. Executive member in “KALAM” Theatre Group, Pondicherry 2002
  5. Life member in Alliance Français of Chennai 1997

 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

 

1.  Ph.D. Thesis (Submitted on Feb 2002) Awarded on 2004:                    

 

“Semiotics of Lighting Design”

 

Lighting, as an element in theatre, has had a long and often unrecognized history.  Today the lighting has playing an important role amid its technical and conceptual development.  The thesis tries to explore the artistic nature of the production in an appropriate way to understand the Lighting design in theatre.  This study will explore in detail the semiotics of lighting design.  Through lighting design how sign and code created, reading the lighting of its signification and correlation, spectator and production of meaning which gives in-depth knowledge of visual communication.  Codification of Lights and lighting design has been done.

2.  M.A. DRAMA AND THEATRE ARTS

Project work entitled (1992):

                       

“Nataka Vakaiyum Oliyamaippum” (“Style of Drama and Lighting Design”)

 

In this project, the different styles of drama, needs different type of lighting design is the main objective.  Different styles of theatrical productions are taken for analysis, in the perspective of a lighting designer.  In addition, in detail it deals how a style of production influences and demands to convey a message through Lighting Design.

 

3.  P.G. DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION

 

Project work entitled (1993):

 

                        “Science and Technological message through Puppet Theatre”

 

Utilization of Theatre for disseminating S&T messages is the main objective of this project.  In this I have developed a script (in traditional folk puppet theatre form) deals with water problem faced by the people.