Nirmala Matapathi, Deputy Director of Mysore Rangayana, said here on Saturday that she had only carried out the instructions of higher-ups in the government in serving the ‘deputation’ orders to 12 artistes in the repertory here. “I have my limitations,” she told The Hindu when asked why she was being blamed by the artistes over the issue. Rangayana artistes had held protests on Thursday and Friday demanding the immediate transfer of Ms. Matapathi and accusing her of acting against the interests of the Mysore Rangayana.
Meanwhile, Ms. Matapathi confirmed that K.R. Ramakrishna, Commissioner, Department of Kannada and Culture, Bangalore, took charge as the in-charge Director of Mysore Rangayana here on Saturday. She said she had nothing to do with the allegations of the artistes or in the sacking of the Rangayana Director B.V. Rajaram.
Ms. Matapathi said she had even told Mr. Rajaram over telephone about serving the deputation orders to the 12 artistes. She also clarified that she had been given powers only three months ago (Mr. Rajaram was divested of administrative powers by the Department of Kannada and Culture), but the transfer/deputation issue had been in contention for the last four years.
In reply to a question, Ms. Matapathi said artistes who had been deputed to Dharwad and Shimoga could not perform during weekends here any longer. Amateur artistes from the Natana group would perform in their place.
The artistes deputed to Dharwad are: Krishna Kumar Narnakaje, Noor Ahmad Sheik, Maheshwara C. Hiremath, K.R. Nandini, Mime Ramesh and Jagadish Manevarte. Those deputed to Shimoga are: Manjunath Belakere, B.N. Shashikala, M.C. Krishnaprasad, Hulagappa Kattimani, Pramila Bengre and Mahadev.
‘Mime’ Ramesh, who took part in the protests against the sacking of Mr. Rajaram and deputation of the artistes in Bangalore on Saturday, told The Hindu that recent developments were fraught with vendetta and an attempt to shatter the dreams of Rangayana founder B.V. Karanth.
He said shows over the weekend would be affected with the deputation of the artistes, and the drama viewers would not take to the amateur groups. The State government, instead of addressing the genuine problems of the artistes, such as providing medical benefits and pension had shunted out the senior artistes, some of who were on the verge of retirement, Mr. Ramesh said. The artistes, who plan to meet Jnanpith recipient Chandrashekar Kambar in Bangalore, will intensify their struggle in Mysore from Sunday, Mr. Ramesh said.
At Freedom Park
Bangalore Special Correspondent reports:
Several artistes and theatrepersons gathered outside the Town Hall in Bangalore on Saturday to protest the sacking of Mr. Rajaram. They also came down heavily against the government for its continued ill-treatment of Rangayana artistes, who had been transferred to Shimoga and Dharwad.
Chidambara Rao Jambe, ex-director of Rangayana, said: “The way the artistes are being treated is very bad. The dismissal of the director is disrespectful to artistes as well as to the 25-year-old institution. They should immediately rescind the order and reinstate the director. The government should help build this institution and not break it.”
Prakash Belwadi , a theatreperson and journalist, said when Rangayana was instituted, Karnataka was going through a renaissance of sorts. “There was so much idealism at the time; all these young brilliantly talented people were selected to be a part of Rangayana. If you start treating them shabbily and transferring them, how will they rebuild their lives. You are responsible for the people who work for you. You are uprooting them, he said, criticising the government.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) alleged the government had violated the model code of conduct by transferring the artistes from Rangayana, Mysore to other places.
“The director of Rangayana protested against these transfers. He has now been removed from the post. This is a serious violation of the election code of conduct,” State committee member of CPI(M) Amanulla Khan said.
