Explore the transformative power of theater in addressing social issues through this 18-minute TEDx talk by Pralayan Shanmugasundaram, a pioneering figure in Tamil Nadu's modern theater movement. Discover how Shanmugasundaram utilizes open-air performances to combat untouchability, raise awareness about female infanticide, and protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes against violent acts. Learn about his innovative approach to playwriting, which blends rural traditional theater's poetic symbolism with modern sensibilities, breaking down barriers between rural and urban theater. Gain insights into the ripple effect of performing socially conscious art for government officials and the impact of using theater as a medium for societal communication. Delve into Shanmugasundaram's extensive body of work, including over 50 open-air plays and 23 proscenium plays, and understand how his unique perspective on social issues has shaped his published books and plays.