Repertory Rangayana may be headless as its honorary director Chidambara Rao Jambe will retire after completing four years office on Sunday.
Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, Jambe said since this was an honorary post, he said the formality of ‘handing over’ was not necessary.
Mincing no words in stating that the government is still unsure about the overall ‘structure and objective’ of Rangayana, Jambe said two decades into its existence, the repertory still faced hurdles within the government for various administrative purposes.
“Artists and performers here need some solace. Government needs to think about their well-being too. On the other hand, Rangayana artists should also look at choosing plays written by Chekov, Samsa etc.,” he said. A place like Rangayana should branch into theatre research and related activities than merely remaining as a performance oriented place, he said adding he would also submit a detailed report to the government regarding this.
Not too pleased
Not too pleased with this year’s Bahuroopi, Jambe said State government’s approval and budget sanctioning came albeit too late to organise it better and artists travelling from other states had to go through lot of hardship to arrive on time. “Such events should get atleast three months for organising alone. Somehow, things did not go too well this year,” he regretted. Rangayana has received a total of Rs 1,16,37,000 from the government during 2004 - 06 and Rs 1,15,20,930 has been spent on salaries and remaining amount was spent on administration and management of the place.
Funds
“We need atleast one lakh rupees for administration. The State government has allocated Rs 63 lakh for the same purpose. In this, about Rs 13 lakh was released in 2004 - 05, Rs 25 lakh in 2005 - 06 and Rs 25 lakh was received in 2006 - 07. Rs 1,33,52,552 has been spent on various activities. About Rs 80,83,561 has also been received under Swedish SEDA project. The repertory has put up about 750 performances in the last three years,” he added.
He also shared about his efforts in taking Rangayana to various towns such as Bagalkot, Dharwad, Hoovinahadagali, Hassan, Tiptur and other places.
New director, who?
While, sources in the Kannada and Culture department said Jambe’s term lasts till the month end, Jambe, speaking to Deccan Herald, said: “The letter I received last year during the extension of my services for another year was dated January 20. It said I would be handling the office for a period of ‘one more year’. Further to this, nothing has been communicated to me,” he said.
Names like theatre and film director Nagabharana, theatre activist Malathi of Heggodu, Rangayana’s very own Janardhan ‘Janni’ are being heard for the post of next director. Theatre director Basavalingaiah, who served as Rangayana director in the past, is also being discussed.
