Mysore/Mysuru: “Theatre teaches the art of living. Life is like an ocean and theatre teaches one to safely swim against the strong tides of ocean called life,” opined Joint Director of Kannada and Culture Department V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy.

He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar and interaction programme at Theatre Rehearsal Room at Kalamandira premises in the city on Thursday. The function was  organised by Desiranga Samskrutika Samsthe.

“Theatre teaches a simple way of living and in addition, to remain calm even under trying circumstances. Most of the theatre persons never aspire for a luxurious lifestyle and thespian Dr. Rajkumar is the best example for this. Dr. Rajkumar and B.V. Karanth both were child artistes in Gubbi Veeranna Drama Company and Rajkumar used to meet Karanth whenever he was in Mysuru,” added Mallikarjunaswamy.

Continuing, he said all that yesteryear actors of Kannada film world had theatre background and theatre has the ability to hold mirror to the past, present and future times. “Theatre beckons those who have passion for acting and it gives immense exposure to hone one’s skills in acting, direction, music and other theatre-related activities. There are many examples in society to illustrate that those who are out of comfort zone are the ones who show perseverance to achieve something in life,” said the Joint Director and appealed youth to show interest in theatre and folklore.

This seminar and interaction programme is being organised  for the benefit of  those who are attending the 20-day theatre training programme. Already, 17 days have been passed and 18 theatre activists are participating in this training. The trainees will present a drama ‘Beppu Takkadi Boleshankara’ written by Dr. Chandrashekar Kambar on Dec. 18, said Krishna Janamana, Theatre Director.