‘Theatre fraternity has responsibility of protecting democratic values’

Vibrant hues: Artists from Loka Dharmi from Kozhikode performing Kali Natakam directed by Chandradasan as part of Ranga Sankranti in Shivamogga.

Theatre personality Raghunandan has said that the Indian theatre fraternity has the responsibility of protecting the democratic values of the nation.

He was speaking after inaugurating Ranga Sankranti, a three-day multi-lingual theatre fest at Suvarna Samskruti Bhavan here on Thursday.

Referring to the murder of Safdar Hashmi, the playwright and founding member of Jana Natya Manch, that took place in January 1989, he said that the reactionary elements are indulged in continuous efforts to curb freedom of expression.

The plural cultural tradition of the land is also facing a threat now. The theatre fraternity should give a fitting response to these efforts by upholding democracy and cultural pluralism, he said.

Not a commercial activity

Mr. Raghunandan said that, theatre should not become a commercial activity, but should be retained as a medium of creative expression. The theatre festivals should become fora for mutual interaction between artists.

Revision of pay

He also pressed for revision of the pay for the artists serving with Rangayanas in Karnataka.

The programme was organised by Rangayana, Shivamogga.

K. Channabasappa, Additional Deputy Commissioner; M. Ganesh, director of Rangayana, Shivamogga and theatre personalities T.M. Kashinath and Madhusudan Ghate were present.

The interactive sessions to review the dramas that are staged as part of the event are being held as part of the theatre festival. Artists of local amateur theatre troupes are participating in the interaction sessions.