Mysore/Mysuru: Protecting theatre culture in the ‘post-truth’ era has become a necessity, said Senior Theatre Director Prasanna Heggodu here yesterday.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Samathentho Ranga Sambhrama’ and releasing the book ‘Plutus – Puntila’ at Mini Theatre in Kalamandira premises on Hunsur Road in city.

“The activities of amateur theatre have reduced in the ‘post-truth’ era. Being a small community, the amateur theatre has given many great plays to the society. People involved in amateur theatre used to meet each other to discuss and deliberate on various issues. Today, we have a situation where it has become inevitable to protect the culture,” he added. Further, Prasanna said that at a time when tragedy plays were considered great in the western culture, comedy plays reigned supreme to stamp their authority. While there is no space for tragedy in Kannada theatre, we have been able to showcase comedy and a bit tragedy in plays that project the protagonist.

Prasanna also appreciated Samathentho for coming out with pro-societal events over the years.

Senior Theatre Director Sreenivas G. Kappanna, Samathentho President Rameshwari Verma, Prof. H.S. Umesh, Secretary Indira Nair, Rathna Vishwanath Mirle, Basavaraju, B.R. Ravish, Srinivas Niranthara, Rekha Srinivas and others were present.  The inaugural event was followed by staging of the play ‘Guri Muttu’ by artistes of Samathentho. Today (Dec. 13), Kreative Theatre, Bengaluru, will be staging the play ‘Gundayana’ at 6.30 pm at Mini Theatre.