- Meaning/Significance of the company name:
‘AKT’ is the abbreviation for ‘Anandha Kannan Theatre’. Mr. Anandha Kannan was a well-known celebrity in Singapore and Tamil Nadu who promoted Indian heritage dances. He was Dr.MaGo’s elder son. He registered a performing arts company under this name (AKTCLUB) on August 30, 2009, with the support of Anandha Kannan. The company closed in 2012 as the late Anandha Kannan initiated a similar company (AKT Creations). Sadly, he passed away in 2021 due to a rare form of cancer. Dr.MaGo wanted to organise Indian dance and music classes, as well as theatre performances, to continue his dreams. AKT Club (Anandha Kannan Theatre Club) would be a vibrant arts and theatre collective dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Anandha Kannan. Rooted in cultural values and creative expression, the club nurtures emerging talent, offers training in various art forms, and provides a platform for original productions and performances. It aims to inspire the community through storytelling, stagecraft, and the celebration of Tamil and global artistic traditions.
- Proposed activities of the company (with specific examples):
2.1 Primary business activity: Training courses for music (including classical music and ‘parai’ drum), heritage dances (such as bhangra and dummy horse dance), heritage art (kolam floor arts), speech/debate, and theatre drama (also ‘therukkoothu’ street drama) will be conducted for individuals of all ages and races (specifically for Indians/Tamils) at a reasonable price or free of charge.
2.2 Secondary business activity: Translation services will be offered to government and private organizations. [I have been assisting the National Translation Committee (NTC, MDDI) with translations since 2020 and was one of the top Citizen Translators and Proofreaders for 2024.]
- Any plans for community-related, charitable, and humanitarian activities?
3.1 Cultural Workshops: Offer free or low-cost workshops in Indian dance and music to promote cultural exchange.
3.2 Charity Events: Organise fundraisers or performances, with proceeds supporting local charities.
3.3 Food Drives: Collaborate with local food banks to collect food for those in need, especially during holidays.
3.4 Volunteer Opportunities: Facilitate volunteering with local non-profits for community improvement projects.
3.5 Health Programs: Host wellness events, including yoga or mental health awareness sessions for community members.
3.6 Support for Marginalized Groups: Provide mentorship and resources to support marginalised communities.
3.7 Charitable Performances: Organise performances where ticket sales benefit local charitable causes, involving local talent.
3.8 Leadership Workshops: Teach the elements of Quality Control Circles (QCC) and Transactional Analysis (TA) for Team leaders and artists.
- Any plans or intentions for overseas activities of any kind? If yes, please provide details.
4.1 I intend to explore opportunities for international collaborations and events that promote cultural exchange and community engagement in the future.
- Who is the target audience/clientele of the company’s activities, and how does the company intend to reach out to them?
5.1 This club celebrates the richness of Indian performing arts and is open to individuals of all ages and races in Singapore. Through dance, music, theatre, and storytelling, it offers workshops, performances, and collaborations that foster cultural appreciation, artistic expression, and community bonding within our multicultural society. Our target audience includes all age groups of local Indian and Tamil communities, as well as individuals of any race in Singapore who have an interest in Indian arts.
5.2 We intend to reach out through:
- Public media (TV, radio channels, newspapers)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
- Educational institutions (e.g., schools, universities, ITEs)
- Registered community clubs/societies
- Community centres/clubs
- Other relevant publicity channels
- Funding source(s):
6.1 I’m planning to raise funds through government grants, individual learners (via registration and course fees), and will also seek support from local sponsors.
7. Any affiliation, formal or otherwise, Community Partners.
9.1 We intend to establish affiliations—either formally or informally—with government organisations such as SINDA, Mendaki, CDAC, and MDDI, as well as with ROS-registered umbrella Indian organisations such as the Tamil Representative Council (TRC) , the Singapore Artists Association,TACS and STC-online FB Group.
(Written by- Dr.MaGo)