The name of Theatre stalwart Gubbi Veeranna invariably associated with Gubbi Nataka Company brings fond memories among theatre artistes and lovers about the doyen who contributed immensely to the world of theatre, cinema, culture and language.
Keeping alive his memory in the heart of Tumkur is the Dr Gubbi Veeranna Kalakshetra, where since a decade artistes from rural areas have been staging plays every week under the programme, “Rangadasoha.”
Such a tradition of staging plays consistently is perhaps unusual in the State. Every Sunday a mythological play is staged at Dr Gubbi Veeranna Kalakshetra. Artistes from all the 10 taluks of Tumkur, stage their plays here. The auditorium has become a forum to demonstrate their talent.
This tradition of staging plays on Sundays began in 1995 and since then at least 50 plays are staged every year. From the year 2000, plays have been staged without missing a single Sunday except when it is reserved for some programme.
No fee
There is no entrance fee for the plays and the auditorium is jam-packed with audience every Sunday. The auditorium rentals of Rs 4,200 are paid by the theatre troupes themselves.
An appeal made to the district administration to waive the rentals for staging these plays have fallen on deaf ears. At least for rehearsal, the district mythological artistes have brought a site in Shantinagar in the city to have a room of their own for rehearsal.
A structure estimated at Rs 6.30 lakh is coming up. Financial support has come from a philanthropist from Bangalore. This place will also enable them to stay overnight.
There is a feeling among theatre lovers that the least government can do is waive the auditorium rentals.
Is the district authority listening ?