R.R. Sabha, a Mylapore landmark, has been out of the arts circuit for some time because of various reasons. Friday Review >carried a story on its history and also the controversies it was caught in.
The good news is that the sabha is now back on the scene. Construction of the new building had stopped midway in 2008, but with a new committee taking charge in 2013, work resumed four months ago.
The main and mini auditoriums in the new building will have a seating capacity of 865 and 229, respectively. Modern methods of construction are being used. For example, light foam concrete has been used to reduce the load on the building. Post tension steel rods have been used, and this results in larger column-free spaces.
The basement, where 32 cars can be parked, is ready. A further 15 cars can be parked in the open space surrounding the building. Arrangements will also be made for parking cars in Lady Sivaswami Iyer Girls’ School.
“We hope to complete civil works for the entire building by the end of November, so that the building can be used during the music season. However, only the main auditorium will be fully functional by December. The mini auditorium is a part of the second phase of construction,” says A. R. Santhanakrishnan, president of the sabha.
A 2000 square ft. hall is also a part of the building plan and this will be rented out for art exhibitions and other functions. The sabha will have a computerised reference library, a recording room, where musicians can practise and cut CDs, and it will also have video facilities, so that dancers can videograph their performances and review their techniques.
The sabha will have a rooftop cafeteria, of which a portion will be air-conditioned and the remaining will be an open air restaurant.
Every floor will also have a small alcove, with an eatery. The space outside the building will also be used as a restaurant. The cafeteria and restaurants will be open throughout the year.
The sabha will have four annual events: Yuva Sangeetha Mela, a dance, music and drama festivals. In addition, one week will be exclusively for NRIs. Santhanakrishnan also has some innovative ideas, and as he explains, it seems R.R. Sabha is going to double up as a think tank! He says every month the sabha will organise panel discussions on subjects of public interest.
“We could discuss civic, economic and cultural issues. Experts will be called in to discuss an issue and then the debate will be thrown open to the audience. Whatever conclusions are arrived at will be forwarded to the Government.”
But will the Government pay heed? “Why not?” asks Santhanakrishnan. “While the Government may not accept a suggestion right away, once it sees the pragmatism behind a suggestion, it could act on it. I’ve seen it happen, when I was a member of the extreme focus group on exports.” It is clear that R.R. Sabha is not only going to be a happening place, but may even end up being a catalyst for change.
While leaving I express my regret that all the old photographs of the sabha have been damaged, but Santhanakrishnan assures me that those photographs for which they have negatives or copies, will be back on the walls of the sabha, once construction is completed.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 10 crores. For details, contact 044 24641767 or email: rrsabhamylapore@yahoo.co.in
The scheme
The project is estimated to cost Rs. 10 crores. Donations are exempted under Section 80 G of the Income Tax Act. For further details, contact R.R. Sabha. Email: rrsabhamylapore@yahoo.co.in
Phone: 044 24641767
Highlights
The sabha’s programmes are currently being held at Dakshinamurthi auditorium.
Yuva Sangeetha Mela begins on July 19, 2015, and the best performer will be awarded the title, Yuva Kala Ratna.
