The State government, without conceding to Rangayana’s request to allocate more funds to the annual national theatre festival, has sanctioned Rs. 35 lakh this year.
The same amount has been released every year for the past 12 years. Rangayana spends over Rs. 8 lakh for decoration of the premises. A drama troupe from Maharashtra is expected to be paid an amount of over Rs. 5 lakh. Citing other possible expenditures, Rangayana had sought for more funds from the government. The festival organisers had written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister of State for Kannada and Culture Umashree in this regard. H. Janardhan, director, Rangayana, said that Rangayana was reluctant to approach sponsors for fear that it may give room for misappropriation. However, he would consult senior artistes on getting sponsorships.
Tickets for the festival would be available online from Friday evening, he added.