Mysore/Mysuru: Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival-2024, organised by Rangayana, Mysuru, got off to a good start at Vanaranga in the premises of the repertory on Vinobha Road in the city on Thursday.

The annual Theatre Festival planned with unique theme every year, this time is themed after 12th Century social reformer Basavanna’s vachana ‘Iva Nammava Iva Nammava’ meaning ‘He/ she is ours’ spreading the message of inclusiveness in the society.

Noted film lyricist and writer Jayant Kaikini inaugurated the Festival by lifting the screen from which emerged the artistes dressed as Basavanna and Sharanas embodying the theme of the Theatre Festival. The five-day Theatre Festival concludes on Mar. 11.

In his address, Kaikini said: “All forms of art including theatre has the quality to widen the scope of our knowledge. However, we are in a stage where man hates man amid the pace of social media and the art holds a significant task of getting rid of such acrimonious feelings towards each other.”

Recalling the words of his father, Kaikini said: “There is no spirituality beyond mamathe (caring) and samathe (equality), which comes without much efforts and it is a simple philosophy. Our society is not standing on a single pillar, but is a canopy of thousands of pillars.”

“The visit to Rangayana brings to mind B.V. Karanth (the Founder of the State’s first theatre repertory), whom I had met during a programme 20 years ago. He had spoken positively expressing his joy over watching a play of mine. I had asked him specifically and he had mentioned about the play ‘Arpane Puta’. That play was dedicated to all the drama companies who had pitched the camp for Shivarathri Jatre at Gokarna,” recalled Kaikini.

Earlier, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shivaraju released the special edition of Bahuroopi Theatre Festival.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda, who presided over the inaugural session, inaugurated the exhibition-cum-sale of various handicrafts, books and paintings among several other products organised in the premises of Rangayana.

On the first day of the event, Rabindranath Tagore’s Kannada play ‘Lokada Olahorage’ directed by B. Suresh and enacted by artistes of Rangasampada Theatre Troupe, Bengaluru, was staged at Kirurangamandira in Kalamandira premises. Another Kannada play titled ‘Muttisikondavanu,’ written by journalist P. Lankesh and directed by K.R. Nandini, was staged by repertory artistes of Rangayana, Mysuru, at Bhoomigeeta auditorium.

‘Shishunala Sharifa,’ a Kannada play enacted by artistes of Padma Shri Chindodi Leela’s KBR Drama Company and directed by Chindodi L. Chandradhara, was also staged in the evening at Kalamandira.

Joint Director of Kannada and Culture Department V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Convener of Bahuroopi-2024 Prof. H.S. Umesh, Deputy Director of Rangayana Nirmala Mathapati were present.