Opportunities for artists can help bring out quality theatre, says Sujata Jangamshetti

Providing a proper platform and opportunities to writers, artists and other creative talents in Kalyana Karnataka can help produce quality plays and theatre productions, said Sujata Jangamshetti, director of Rangayana, Kalaburagi.

She was speaking after inaugurating a performance of Sannagowdasani, a play based on the novel by Nadoja Shantharasa, at Pujya Channabasava Pattadadevar Rangamandira in Bidar recently. The programme was organised jointly by the Department of Kannada and Culture, Rangayana, Kalaburagi, Janapada Kalavidara Balaga, Maharshi Valmiki Social and Cultural Trust and Ranga Taranga Social and Cultural Trust.

Ms. Jangamshetti said Kalyana Karnataka was home to several talented writers, authors and artists who needed greater opportunities to showcase their abilities.

“Children today are moving away from art, literature and culture under the pressure of marks and academics. It is necessary to cultivate an interest in art and literature among children. It is particularly encouraging to see artists from Kalyana Karnataka performing in this play,” she said.

She said Bidar was known for its social and cultural diversity, where different languages, cultures and traditions had coexisted harmoniously. The region had a rich historical, literary and cultural heritage, and more opportunities should be created for literature and theatre, she said.

Janapada Kalavidara Balaga president Vijayakumar Sonare, in his introductory remarks, said Bidar district had made a significant contribution to literature and culture and called for greater opportunities for local artists and writers.

The stage adaptation of Shantharasa’s novel was done by Mahantesh Navalakal. Raghav Kammar composed the music, while Praveen Reddy Gunjahalli handled the stage text, design and direction. Rajkumar S.K. was responsible for the stage set, while Srinivas Doranahalli worked as co-director and handled the lighting design.

A large number of theatre enthusiasts, writers, women, children and members of the public attended the performance, which received a positive response from the audience.

Sannagowdasani portrays various dimensions of life in Kalyana Karnataka, marked by multilingualism, diversity and social coexistence. The play also brings out the darker aspects of a social system shaped by untouchability, conflicts among castes and communities, conspiracies and arrogance, and depicts the pain, struggles and hardships of a woman trying to survive amid social pressures.