M Palani plays a fairy in the play and also works as a rope work instructor behind the scenes. He speaks only Tamil on stage.
A native of Tamil Nadu, he joined the production as an instructor, then went on to do a small role. He is good at dancing and acrobatics, and is part of Chennai-based theatre group, Koothu-p-pattarai. He has learnt Tamil folk art, Kerala martial arts, acrobatic yoga and Chinese martial arts.
"It helps you with body language and keeps you alert," he says. "That's why we learn it. Not to fight with anyone."
Palani has performed in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand as an actor and dancer. Compared to the plays he has acted in Chennai, he says this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is more musical, colourful, and richer.