JOIN USCity celebrates World Theatre Day
Among the premier repertory of Karnataka, the Rangayana hosted the main event, inauguration of the Phalguna Rangothsava at Vanaranga.
A replica of the Hercules, an artiste carrying a globe symbolised the greater effort needed to strengthen the theatre activity.
Rangayana Director Lingadevaru Halemane inaugurated the event, while theatre activist and critic Srikantha Gundappa rendered a message from Jessica A Khawa, Uganda-based theatre personality for the International Theatre Day, celebrated all this month. A noted theatre personality is selected from a country in the United Nations group every year to deliver a message for World Theatre Day in March.
In her message, Jessica called upon the world community to strengthen theatre. The theatre has strong ability to heal the broken hearts, relations and broken societies.
The big and powerful countries, instead of investing into war, should work to bring peace in few regions of the world, work towards empowering theatre and see the change unfold in the community, she said while strongly opposing hatred between countries.
Along with Lingadevaru Halemane, theatre activist and director H S Umesh and Prakash Shenoy released the pigeons to mark the inauguration of the Phalguna Rangothsava, organised jointly by GPIER group, Kalapriya, Amara Kala Sangha, Kadamba Ranga Vedike and other amateur groups.
In his address, Prakash Shenoy said the theatre should help improve the human relations.
The GPIER and other amateur groups would present four plays - Thank You, Mr Glad, Polisariddare Eccharike, Theregalu and Bugari every evening at 6 starting from Monday.
Positive influence
The District Kannada Sahitya Parishat also celebrated the World Theatre Day at its premises near the North gate of palace here. Actor and Director Mandya Ramesh, in his inaugural address said theatre was more stronger than cinema and television media, and was able to strengthen the human relations.
The theatre has always influenced the society in a positive way for a long time.
“The theatre was the best media to work for creative minds and is one of the best entertainment sector.
The belief that people do not turn up for theatre is untrue. If there is a good play and is provided fair publicity, there is a good turn out of the theatre lovers.
People belonging to all sections in society like to watch theatre,” he said.
Noted theatre personality Srikanta Gundappa, drama masters Hanumanthappa, Chowdanayaka, theatre artiste Gopal Rao Jadhav and Vasantha Krishna President of Professional Artistes Association were honoured on the occasion; theatre songs were rendered following the reading of the message of Jessica A Khawa.
Play at Kalasuruchi
In another programme, the Kalasuruchi at Suruchi Rangamane organised a play, Uriyolagana Pari, directed by H S Umesh at its premises in Kuvempunagar here.
Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Sandesh Swamy said the theatre still has a special place in the lives of rural people. While, the late Maharaja of Mysore patronised the theatre which provided the city the rich influence of theatre and music, he said.
He assured support from the civic body for the theatre activity. The MCC has plans to upgrade the Town Hall and construct an Amphitheatre at Town Hall grounds, he added.