Social movement through theatre

MYSORE: When a bunch of students from diverse backgrounds got together, it was a culmination of enthuisam to perform on stage.
Though the not-mad-about-theatre types, they wanted to try their skills in acting and enjoy propagating social causes. On Thursday as they took to the stage to perform `Ide Ittu Iruttade', the 33 students told the audience the importance of the Earth and the mother.
At the end of the four-week intensive theatre training, the neo actors have now converted their societal passion into a theatre force reinforcing the belief that youths are still keen on theater movement.Thanks to the city-based Nirantara Foundation, the enthusiasm among youths to do something for the society is utilized for social good.
When the cultural organization fighting for social causes started groundwork for its annual theatre training workshop Sahajaranga, it was expecting young minds with cultural bent of mind to partake. They did. Students from Maharajas, Maharanis, Yuvarajas and PG students from Manasa Gangotri applied for the training.
All were new to theatre with no acting trainng. "It was a challenge for us too," says Nirantara's treasurer K R Hariprasad. There were three engineers, and three girls, including an engineering student, who took up the challenge. Given that students from different backgrounds are focusing on theater, it is an improving as Rangayana's magnum opus Malegalalli Madhumagalu featured many young talent for the first time.
As they started to work with the students, the NGO selected poems from various noted poets, including Kuvempu and Da Ra Bendre. The common thread that connects the poems is the theme planet earth and mother. `Ide Ittu Iruttade' aims to bridge the growing chasm between the young and materialistic world. Theatre director Chennakeshava adopted the poems to convey the message. Some of the lines were added by the students to make it alluring. Many noted personalities including Rangayana director Lingadevaru Halemane, Na Ratna, Jayaram Tatachar gave the students lessons in theatre.
THEATRE FEST
For those who have a flair for plays, Rangayana is the place to be in. The theatre repertory is hosting a theatre festival from Saturday in honour of B V Karanth, doyen on Kannada theatre. The four-day festival will feature the play Drupadi by legendary Kannaiah Lal. Rangayana director Lingadevaru Halemane said the fest is dedicated to Karanth and is celebration of his services to the theatre. As part of the fest, a seminar will be organized and there will be screening of documentaries. The play starts at 6.30 pm everyday.
* Sept 25- Maayaseetha Prasanga (Kannada)
* Sept 26- Sangthi Arimy (Tamil)
* Sept 27- Agalida Alake (Kannada)
* Sept 28- Drupadi (Manipuri)