Giving voice to the voiceless

C.G. Krishnaswamy was a big force in the Kannada amateur theatre movement. A 10-day theatre festival is on in the city in his memory

SPEAKING FOR THE UNDERDOG: A scene from Aache-Eeche; C.G. Krishnaswamy

All those who came in contact with the late C.G. Krishnaswamy - theatre director and Natak Academy chairman - were sure to experience his characteristic warmth; it had no urban sophistication but came with a rustic wildness.

Nevertheless, one instantly knew that it was genuine. You could have a dialogue, disagree, argue and quarrel but CGK wouldn't nurture an ill feeling. On the contrary, he would urge you to meet him, only to surprise you with: “I think you were right. But I am going to stick to my position.”

CGK, as he was fondly addressed by one and all, came from very humble circumstances and became a strong voice of the underdog. Even in theatre, he always championed the cause of the marginalised.

He was one of the major forces of the Kannada amateur theatre movement. The modernist, who raised a strong anti-establishment voice, identified himself with all the progressive movements of our times, including the Bandaya and Dalit movements. Greatly moved by the alarming living conditions of the rural community of Karnataka, CGK strived to bring rural talent to mainstream.

He became synonymous with plays like “Odalaala”, “Mahachaitra” and “Kanakadasa”.

In memory of CGK, Ranga Nirantara has organised a 10-day theatre festival which has been underway since January 10 at Ravindra Kalakshetra, 6.30 p.m. On January 14, Samudaya will present “Kalyanada Koneya Dinagalu” directed by Venugopala Haleyur and Shashidhar Bharighat. Abhinaya Taranga will present “Corialanus” on January 15 directed by Prakash Belawadi. On January 16, Parivarthana, Mysore presents “Kefa Prapancha” directed by S.R. Ramesh. Ranga Adhyayana Kendra, Kundapura, brings “Aache-Eeche” on January 17 directed by Joseph, “Yehudi Hudugi” will be presented by Roopantara on January 18, directed by KSDL Chandru, and on January 19, Sanchari Theatru will present “Kamalmani Comedy Kalyana”, directed by N. Mangala.

The valedictory function on January 20, at Samsa Open Air Theatre, at 6.15 p.m. will be witnessed by Suresh Anagalli, Director-NSD RRC, playwright Lingadevaru Halemane and Manu Baligar, Director, Kannada and Culture Department. This will be followed by “Shraddha Bhattara Manege” by Ranganirantara.