Interview:

Rangayana, the theatre repertory, is gearing up for the much-loved national theatre festival. In an interview with STOI, Rangayana director B VRajaram says they are forming subcommittees to ensure the success of the theatre festival. Hailing from Bangalore, the sexagenarian has been involved in theatre for nearly four decades. Rajaram has directed and acted in more than 110 plays. 

Rajaram was the president of Karnataka Nataka Academy. In 2001, he was awarded 'Samsa Ranga Prashasti' for teaching and training youth and college students in drama and was honoured for his service in mime by Indian Mime Theatre, Kolkata. 

Excerpts: 

How are the preparations going on for Bahuroopi, the national theatre festival? 

The preparations are going on well. We are done with preliminary meetings with Rangayana artists and officials. In next few meetings, we will form around 15 sub-committees to look after various matters like accommodation, food, stage and others. 

How different will be this Bahuroopi be from the previous ones? 

This year, Bahuroopi will be a seven-day festival. As this is Rangayana's 25th year of existence, it will be called Ranga 'yaana '-25. 

A total of 21 plays will be staged - four from other states. Folk dance artistes from Delhi, Rajasthan and Orissa will be invited. A platform for discussion on 'modern professional theatre' will also be organized. 

How is the theatre movement in Karnataka? 

Theatre movement in our state is alive. But, in cities there is a problem of audience and in villages there are financial constraints for theatre groups. In cities, an intelligent group of audience watch plays. If plays are staged every week then the theatre movement can survive. Many youngsters are getting attracted towards theatre, which is a good sign. 

How is the youth's response for Rangayana? Do they watch plays? 

Rangayana has taken theatre development as a responsibility. It organizes 'College Rangotsva' and 'Chinnara Mela' to attract children and youth towards theatre. They take part in different plays. To attract youth to watch plays, we give them a concession in the ticket price. Youth as audience come in good numbers. 

How is the response for the weekend shows and diploma course? 

Many of the shows run house full. People know that every weekend there are shows and they turn up in good numbers. For the diploma course, we have received around 60 applications for the 15 seats this year. We have to grow stronger as this is our third year. 

About the theatre museum 

There are some financial problems. It will open shortly. We also want to come up with theatre library, where scripts of every play staged across the state are made available. Let us hope for the best.