Nataraj Yenagi, director of the Dharwad Rangayana, has promised transparency in his functioning and assured local artistes that he will give priority to local needs.
Speaking to presspersons here on Thursday after assuming charge, Mr. Yenagi said he would work to develop Rangayana without simply imitating the Mysore model. “It will be possible to develop this institute in accordance with the aspirations of the local people, as the Government has given autonomous status for the Dharwad Rangayana, separating it from the one at Mysore,” he said.
He would hold talks with senior theatre artistes of the region for their suggestions on developing the institute. Amateur, professional and folk theatre would be part of the activities at the institute, and they would explore possibilities in children's theatre, he said.
The Rangayana here would be a platform for theatre in north Karnataka, he added.
Infrastructure development needed to be taken up as priority. A fund of Rs. 50 lakh was available for the purpose and work would be started soon, Mr. Yenagi said.
Besides, the Government had sanctioned five new staff members and given its consent to appoint 15 artistes. A committee of experts would be formed to select the artistes, he said.
