Let Mysuru become the focal point for mythological plays: MLA

Mysuru District Theatre Directors, Musicians and Harikatha Singers Association formed

Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that the erstwhile Mysore Maharajas had promoted mythological plays, culture and literature, Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda said that Mysuru should become the focal point for spreading the aura of mythological plays.

He was speaking after presiding over the inauguration of Mysuru District Theatre Directors, Musicians and Harikatha Singers Association at Kalamandira here  on Sunday.

Noting that decades ago, mythological plays used to be performed for nearly three months at a stretch during harvest season, Devegowda regretted that such performances have become a rarity now with other forms of entertainment pervading all over. 

Pointing out that mythological plays have become extinct in most of the places, he stressed on the need for taking measures for saving this unique artform from becoming totally extinct.

 Principal District and Sessions Judge of Hassan C.K. Basavaraj, in his address, regretted that mythological plays are losing their sheen with the advent of modern entertainment forms. 

Noting that most of the youths  today are increasingly getting attracted to cinema, he expressed disappointment that at the same time there was a sharp decline in the interest towards mythological plays. 

Highlighting the significance of theatre, Basavaraj said that it was happy to note that the Association has been formed at this critical juncture when the theatre is facing the threat of becoming a non-entity amidst the influence of modern entertainment forms.

‘Danashoora Karna’, a mythological play directed by H.P. Nagendra Prasad, was performed on the occasion.

MLA G.T. Devegowda drew the attention of the gathering by singing several theatre songs.

Adichunchanagiri Shakha Mutt Seer Sri Someshwarnatha Swamiji, Kaginele Gurupeetha’s Sri Shivanandapuri Swamiji, Vangipura Mutt Seer Sri Ilai Alwar Swamiji, Social activist K. Raghuram, Association Hon.President Jnanesh Guddappa, Working President Nataraj, Convenor C. Satish, Harikatha exponent Vijayadas, former Forest Officer Marigowda and others were present at the programme.