Mangalore: World Konkani Theatre Day emphasizes need to preserve drama

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Mar 27: Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy celebrated World Konkani Theatre Day at the Academy office at Lalbagh here on Wednesday March 27.

S Malathi, a graduate from National Drama School inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais, while Kasargod Chinna, Academy president presided over the function.

S Purushottam Taalavaata, theatre director, Maxim Rodrigues, Konkani theatre director, Dr B Devdas Pai, Academy registrar shared the dais.

S Malathi in her address quoting the words of Dario Fo, a theatre personality from Italy, said a few people have been sidelining the theatre and asked theatre artists to excel by fighting against it and thus take it forward to the next generation.

Commenting on theatre art in general, she said in the year 1930 theatre started losing importance as people started adopting cinema techniques. "During the period of Indian Independence, many theatre groups in our country conveyed patriotic messages. Later in 1970s and '80’s the concept of street play started and engaged itself in spreading awareness on various issues," she said.

"But after the 90’s, most of the people fully inclined towards technology. People never participated in events or activities like they used to decades ago. What is considered fun by teenagers today is far different than what it used to be. On the whole, teenagers have been losing their appreciation for theatre. But over the last few years, theatre has been again growing as there has been good response from the society," she said.

Speaking on the advantages of joining a theatre troupe, Malathi said that dramatists can inculcate leadership qualities, foster the spirit of equality, enhance one's thinking capacity, and be bold enough to take decisions.

"Liveliness is not there is cinema but in drama it exists and is a medium of art. Theatre is very essential for the betterment of the society in conveying good messages," said Malathi, asking people to preserve this art and wished that Konkani theatre grows to greater heights.

On the occasion, the dignitaries present offered floral tributes to three great theatre personalities - Ramanand Churi, Hosada Babuti Naik and to Cha Fra D’Costa.

The Academy felicitated four personalities l- John Permannur, Konkani dramatist, Deepali Khabadakoni, theatre actress, Vithoba Bhandarkar, Konkani actor, director and Charan Kumar, Konkani theatre music director for their immense contribution towards Konkani theatre.

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