Gayathiri Kamalakanthan's play 'Period Parrrty' reimagines Tamil puberty rituals through the story of non-binary teen Krish, exploring themes of gender, identity, and community.

Inspired by Kamalakanthan's own childhood experience of a Tamil period party and their questioning of traditional gender roles, the play offers a personal and cultural perspective.

The production, directed by Gitika Buttoo and developed through Soho Labs and Kali Theatre, will run at Soho Theatre from October 23 to November 22, 2025, featuring a talented cast.

The play celebrates the richness of Tamil culture beyond trauma narratives, emphasizing joy, romance, and cultural pride amidst historical efforts to erase Tamil identity.

'Period Parrrty' acts as a cultural and personal reclamation, empowering trans and queer South Asians to feel seen and fostering inclusive communities.

Kamalakanthan aims to reclaim Tamil traditions as inclusive and evolving, using humor and empathy to challenge patriarchy and promote a sense of belonging for queer South Asians.

The story focuses on 15-year-old Krish navigating family expectations of femininity and marriage, highlighting the emotional tension between personal identity and familial love.

Kamalakanthan’s background as a sex and relationships educator informs the play’s open, shame-free conversations about bodies, consent, and sexuality.

'Period Parrrty' deconstructs traditional gendered rituals by emphasizing autonomy, chosen family, and queerness, while challenging colonial influences that criminalized queerness in Tamil culture.