The day commemorates birth anniversary of theatre doyen Padma Shri B.V. Karanth

Mysore/Mysuru: Rangayana, Mysuru, is proposing to celebrate Sept. 19, the birth anniversary of theatre doyen Padma Shri B.V. Karanth, as ‘Bharatiya Theatre Music Day.’ 

In a press release, Addanda C. Cariappa, Director, Rangayana, Mysuru, has said: “Padma Shri B.V. Karanth was a legendary director who gave theatre music a midas touch through his theatre productions. He provided the much needed fresh perspective and added great value to Kannada theatre when it was moving past its old glory. He brought the colourful and technical grandiosity to productions through music and dance accompaniments and lifted the experience of theatre music by way of creating a magical world on stage.

“He enhanced the value of Indian theatre through his tenure as the Director of National School of Drama (NSD) and Director of Bharat Bhavan – Rang Mandal in Bhopal, and as the Founder-Director of Nataka   Karnataka Rangayana, started by the Government of Karnataka.

“He liberated himself from the shackles of ideologies to only build theatre. His most famous statements include words should be like songs, and songs must be like speech; music knows no religion and its well par all faiths, theatre music does not need punditry; it only needs an instinct of rhythm melody and voice. With his perspective, he introduced a new language of music into Indian theatre.

“His birth anniversary is also the day when all the artistes of Kannada theatre need to commemorate his significant contribution to Indian theatre music. On this occasion, Rangayana Mysuru has planned to announce Sept. 19 as ‘Bharatiya Theatre Music Day.’

“On the opening year of this celebration — 19.9.2020 — renowned, senior and accomplished music director of legendary Gubbi Company Paramasivan will make the official announcement at Rangayana Mysuru,” the release added.

Rangayana Director has further requested all the Government and allied theatre institutions, institutions of theatre education, private theatre organisations and theatre enthusiasts to celebrate Sept. 19 as ‘Bharatiya Theatre Music Day’ in the coming years.