‘Ranga Samyukta – A lecture series on Theatre and Related Arts’ begins in city

Mysore/Mysuru: Despite having great potential with audiences eager to watch plays, theatre has lacked growth in this part of the world, said Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V. Bettakote, here on Feb. 2.

Speaking after inaugurating the 8-day ‘Ranga Samyukta – A lecture series on Theatre and Theatre Related Arts,’ jointly organised by the University of Mysore Fine Arts College, Sri Gubbi Veeranna Chair, Bharatiya Rangashikshana Kendra, Rangayana Mysuru and Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University at the Fine Arts College auditorium, he said that while people are seen rushing for movie tickets there are also instances of theatre buffs rushing to watch plays.

“Youngsters should come forward to learn the technicality of the theatre rather than concentrating more on enhancing their acting skills. Theatre education plays a major role in society as it has led to many revolutions in the past. Unfortunately, with the increase in competition owing to globalisation and privatisation, theatre has taken a backseat,” he rued.

University of Mysore (UoM) Registrar V.R. Shylaja, expressing concern over diminishing student enrolments at Fine Arts College, said that youngsters should be encouraged to pursue fine arts and added that the University would extend all necessary help to encourage theatre and related activities.

Department of Kannada and Culture Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Mathapati and UoM Fine Arts College Principal Prof. Anita Vimla Braggs were present.

The eight-day-long event features lectures by eminent theatre personalities at B.V. Karanth Rangachavadi in Rangayana premises from 5 pm to 7 pm every day. S.A. Yugashree from Bengaluru delivered a lecture on ‘Painting’ on the inaugural day on Friday and former Rangayana Director H. Janardhan (Janni) delivered a talk on ‘Expression’ on Saturday.

Other lecture programmes are as follows:

Feb. 4: O.L. Nagabhushanaswamy from Mysuru will deliver a lecture on Literature; Feb. 5: Prakash Garuda from Dharwad will deliver a lecture on Folklore; Feb. 6: Abhay Simha from Bengaluru will talk on Cinema; Feb. 7: M.D. Pallavi from Bengaluru will deliver a lecture on Music; Feb. 8: Veena Basavarajaiah from Bengaluru will deliver a lecture on Dance (Movements); Feb. 9: T.N. Krishnamurthy from Bengaluru will deliver a lecture on Applied Theatre.