Sometimes, valuable art forms decline and die for lack of support. Chennai has distinguished itself by preserving classical arts such as Carnatic music or classical dance, which have enduring value, said N. Ram, chairman, Kasturi & Sons Ltd.
At the launch of Mime Theatre Festival 2014 here on Sunday, Mr Ram said colleges, corporate houses and specialised theatre groups have come together for this festival. With this intelligent approach and dedication, the art form will thrive in the city, he said.
More schools should come forward to teach their children the art of mime as it helps in releasing emotion, said Mrs. Y.G. Parthasarathy, dean and director, PSBB Group of Schools. “Youngsters today are really harassed and pressurised to study. They need an outlet for their emotion and this art form is one way to do it,” she said.
She noted that mime also forms a part of Bharatanatyam as a lot of this art form goes into the dance as ‘Sanchari Bhava’. Filmmaker Jayendra Panchapakesan said there are a lot of directors who will not let a second pass on screen without a sound effect or loud music since they are paranoid about losing the audience when there is silence. “It takes time if you have to make this art come alive and flourish; you have to be really innovative to promote this wonderful art which is silent yet powerful,” he added.
Playwright ‘Vietnam Veedu’ Sundaram and mime exponent Niranjan Goswami were among those who spoke at the event. The festival organised by Brahma Gana Sabha and powered by MacTrics, A mime and Body Theatre Group, will be held for three days beginning March 21 at Narada Gana Sabha.