Former Rangayana Director demands setting up of new repertories

Mysuru: C. Basavalingaiah, former Director of Rangayana, has suggested setting up of two more Rangayana repertories in the State, including the one dedicated for the children to foster the talents among nomadic and semi-nomadic children, to enable them pursue education in the realm.

He was addressing the gathering during the valedictory ceremony of Dr. Sujatha Akki Theatre Festival, organised by Rangayaana Trust at Kiru Rangamandira (Mini Theatre) in Kalamandira premises here recently.

Basavalingaiah said, “while Rangayana is a public property, Rangayaana belongs to a private entity. The visit to Rangayaana is only on invitation, but I can visit Rangayana on my own. Hence, Rangayana has succeeded in dispatching the message on democracy through the plays.”

The theatre artiste should exhibit his skills on ‘Navarasas’ through acting to the audience. But we have only shown ‘Dwesha and Shringara Rasa’ (Enmity and attractive feelings) to the people, with the portrayal of other rasas pending to be exhibited before the people. The cultural field is occupied by casteism, but we all have the responsibility to build a theatre, bereft of the influence of caste, said Basavalingaiah.

There are several stories on Lord Shiva in the country, with ‘Chama Cheluve’ being one among such stories. The play ‘Soligara Baale’ on Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy, unveils magnificence. If there are any mythological stories, near highlighting the significance of democracy, such stories can be included in the text for students from primary to Post-Graduate levels, advised Basavalingaiah.

It was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who advocated freedom for women with the curiosity remaining over who is important in  the democracy.

“To get rid of the filthy mindset, theatre, art of drawing and sculpture are significant among others. It is a matter of pride that, our Constitution embodies scientific temperament,” said Basavalingaiah.

MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah said, the Theatre Festivals being organised in the name of men is common, but the Theatre Festival organised in the name of a woman is a rarity, which itself is a matter of pride.

Former Syndicate Member of University of Mysore N.S. Gopinath and playwright Dr. Sujatha Akki were present.