Mysore/Mysuru: Senior theatre activist and former Director of National School of Drama (NSD), Bengaluru, C. Basavalingaiah has said that theatre should not become a chessboard for political parties. Instead, it should act like a mirror to the society and become a platform to project social issues.

He was speaking at the valedictory function of ‘Mysuru Ranga Habba’ held at Kiru Rangamandira in Kalamandira premises in city on Monday.

“Theatre should act as a mirror to the society and should offer solutions to the problems faced by the society apart from correcting mistakes,” he opined.

Continuing, he said that the modern plays, instead of projecting the real issues are projecting old time history. Artistes are donning roles, applying make-up and lending their voices. But none of them are becoming a part of the society. Actor should surrender himself to the character he plays. Theatre should portray daily incidents that are happening in the society, the former NSD Director advised the young directors.

Observing that violence has become the principle of present Democracy, Basavalingaiah said that the youths are moving towards unrest and are becoming victims of colourful ploys. “Tools are being given to destroy peace in Karnataka which is regarded as ‘Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota.’ Recently, a seed of poison called “Uri-Nanju” is being sown. We all need to destroy it and in its place we should spread love for all religions,” Basavalingaiah concluded.

Senior theatre activist Indira Nair, who also spoke on the occasion, said that she has unending love for theatre and wanted all Mysuru Amateur Theatre groups to stage dramas for 20-25 days in the future annual celebrations of ‘Ranga Habba’ where experiments with new plays should be given priority.

“Of late, all amateur troupes are experimenting with old plays. This should be decreased slightly and priority should be given to new plays and to the thoughts of new playwrights. I am sad to see the ideologies of the theatre are sliding slowly. We have to find reasons for this and arrest this slide. We all need to commit ourselves to promote and preserve the theatre,” said Indira Nair.

Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, District Amateur Theatre Activists Forum President Suresh Babu, Secretary Dr. H.M. Kumaraswamy, ‘Mysuru Ranga Habba’ Convenor Deepak and others were present at the function.

Later, drama ‘Bekagiddare,’ written by Beluru Krishnamurthy, was staged which won the appreciation of the audience.