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This paper describes the ongoing efforts to develop a cultural tourism venue --celebrating Tamil Nadu’s sea-fishing heritage -- in a portion of the Nocchi Kuppam fishing village, just south of Chennai’s public recreational (Marina and Gandhi) beach. This cultural tourism project is a collaboration between members of the neighborhood and outside scholars, architects, and theatre artists. Economic and conceptual models being considered for the project include: 1) “theme park” (which would be purely commercial -- a business, art, and entertainment project); and 2) a “living museum.” (“Living museum” here refers to a museum that features objects which remain in local everyday use, with community members explaining about these objects. Museums are often at least partially Government-supported, may be NGOs, and are usually education-oriented). So far, the project consists of a gift shop selling seashells and seashell crafts, and laminated photos of the sea-fishing process (600 documentational photos have been shot by members of the community). This gift shop is being developed as an all-day addition to the morning and evening fish markets. The Sea Story, a 35-minute drama with folk songs (including rowing songs, and Oppari, that is, lament songs), has also been developed. It is being considered to present this drama in the afternoon on a daily basis, especially for visitors. Plans call for guided tours of the fishing boats, engines, and nets; and explanations about the different fish -- including how they are caught, and ways of cooking them. A computer with Internet is also planned, to show how post-Tsunami fishing villages are being equipped with technology to help the fishermen get knowledge of the weather. The paper asks and begins to answer such questions as: Can the spirit and functions of a traditional fishing village be developed in a sustainable manner, and be presented to the general public, so close to a global urban centre? Why should we care if this, or any other traditional neighborhood, is sustained? Is there anything in this village that might be valuable to humanity in general? One conclusion of the paper is that communities presenting aspects of their traditional cultures to the public may serve as a way of helping these communities and cultures to survive. Accompanying the paper will be projected photos and video of the project process, and architectural drawings offering suggestions regarding a possible new gift shop, a performance space, and the surroundings.

Stream: Cultural Sustainability

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

I am hoping to teach in Chennai in the field of communication: Videoconferencing and storytelling methods.