Theatre Is the Voice of the People: Dr K. V. Nagaraj Murthy
Mangaluru: Theatre is a powerful medium that encourages critical thinking and contributes to building an egalitarian society, said Dr K. V. Nagaraj Murthy, President of the Karnataka Drama Academy. He noted that theatre across the country is currently facing a period of decline and must be protected to remain relevant.
He was speaking at a theatre interaction jointly organised by city-based theatre groups, St Aloysius University, Mangaluru, and Bahuroopi Prakashana, Bengaluru, at St Aloysius University. Dr Murthy cautioned against the growing interference of politics in theatre and warned that failure to address this trend could have serious consequences for its future.
Responding to queries on the appointment of theatre teachers in schools and colleges, Dr Murthy stated that the Karnataka Drama Academy has already discussed the matter with Minister Madhu Bangarappa, and that the process of appointing theatre instructors in large numbers would begin soon. Addressing concerns about the declining interest of youth in reading and theatre, he said the Academy is conducting theatre workshops across various parts of the state.
To keep theatre vibrant, the Drama Academy has been organising an ambitious festival titled ‘Ranga Parishé’ since last year. The festival, a confluence of theatre, literature, and other art forms, will be held throughout the first week of February, he added.
Journalist and writer G. N. Mohan warned against attempts to bring theatre under corporate control, describing it as a dangerous trend and emphasising that theatre must always remain the voice of the common people. Senior theatre personalities R. Narasimh Murthy, Shyamsundar, Mahesh Nayak, Sadashiva Master, and Ramanji took part in the interaction. Dr Dinesh Nayak and Christopher D’Souza, faculty members of St Aloysius University, were the chief guests.
