'Social disconnect affecting theatre movement'

Speaking at the theatre festival for children organised by Karnataka Nataka Academy in memory of R S Vasudevamurthy, who was popular as ‘Vasu,’ who worked relentlessly for five decades through his Amara Kala Sangha, Ramesh said theatre was losing freshness, with newer ideas failing to emerge from the very medium.

“Theatre, which should essentially face the society, is turning away from it,” he said.
Newer experiments should be taken up with children as the focus, to enable them to shape the future of theatre, according to their aspirations , he said. “The vibrant theatre that was seen in the past was responsible for shaping the society. Social churning has to happen again for theatre to emerge with a new garb and show the way forward,” he observed.

Another speaker on the occasion, H K Ramanath said theatre is the best medium for children to learn about team work, chastity of language, hone organising skills and leadership abilities and also, introduce children to the literature of the language of the land.

Lauding the efforts of Vasu who worked for theatre as a single goal of his life, Ramanath said this was possible only with undeterred dedication and integrity in one’s personality.
A total of 100 children are taking part in the theatre festival organised by Amara Kala Sangha. Two plays — ‘Chinnada Doni’ and ‘Hoovi’ were staged on Friday evening.