Mon Feb 17 05:37:37 UTC 2025: ## Local Puppeteer to Host Workshop on Therapeutic Power of Puppetry
**Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu –** Poongodi Mathiarasu, a talented puppeteer trained in eight different forms of the art, will be hosting a two-day workshop in Coimbatore on February 22nd and 23rd. The workshop, held at Aruk Enclave in RS Puram from 10 am to 3 pm, aims to teach parents and teachers the therapeutic and communicative benefits of puppetry.
Mathiarasu, who has traveled extensively across India learning diverse puppetry techniques including Japanese Bunraku, shadow puppetry, and giant puppetry, believes puppetry can be a powerful tool for engaging with children, particularly those with autism or other learning disabilities. He highlights its potential to improve communication between parents and children, combat loneliness in the elderly, and provide a creative outlet for children with autism, who often lack exposure to the arts. His experience includes working with organizations like The Spastics Society of Tamilnadu and Nizhal – The True Self, which supports children with learning disabilities.
Mathiarasu’s background in theatre and his commitment to community-based theatre, including directing plays for the transgender and queer community, underscore his dedication to using art for social impact. He plans to incorporate folk art into his puppetry, emphasizing the art form’s accessibility and its potential to benefit a wide range of individuals. For further information and registration, visit nizhalthetrueself.com.
First Piper 