A controversy has erupted over the last-minute cancellation of staging of Girish Karnad’s play ‘Nagamandala’ during the Brahmakalashotsava ceremony of Sri Narasimha Temple at Parkala following Mr. Karnad’s statement in favour of beef consumption.
The play was to be staged by Rangabhumi troupe.
Raviraj H.P., joint secretary of Rangabhumi, told The Hindu on Friday that the event had been fixed two months ago. But on April 25, he got a call from the temple authorities stating that the play could not be allowed as “some volunteers and organisations” had opposed it because of Mr. Karnad’s statement.
The troupe members, by then, had prepared for the play and had spent about Rs. 10,000. But the temple authorities suggested that the troupe stage another play. “We decided to stick to Nagamandala. This is an injustice to artistes and the troupe. What has Mr. Karnad’s statement got to do with the play?” he said.
Ramesh Salavankar, managing trustee of the temple,said, “We are not opposed to Mr. Karnad or his play. But we did not like the statement he made. We do not mean to insult the artistes or the play.”
Writer Kathyayini Kunjibettu, who translated the play into Tulu, said it should not have been cancelled. Every writer was entitled to his/her personal beliefs.
Meanwhile, organisations such as Samskara Bharati and Dharma Rakshana Vedike commended temple authorities for cancelling the play.
