Udupi: Parichya’s ’Ranga Sapthaka’ inaugurated with Kannada Play ’Nemmadi Ap

By Eugene DSouza
Pics by Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 28 Feb 2016: Parichaya, the cultural organization based in Pamboor since the last four years that promotes arts, culture and literature has organized a unique weeklong festival of some of the renowned stage plays in Kannada, Tulu and Konkani languages from Sunday, 28 February to Saturday, 5 March 2016 under the programme known as  ‘Ranga Sapthaka’.

 

The inauguration of ‘Ranga Sapthaka’ was held on Sunday, 28 February 2016 at 6 pm in the premises of the Holy Cross Church, Pamboor. The inaugural function was attended by the chief guest Dr. H. Shantaram, Administrative Officer of General Education, Manipal and a renowned promoter of arts and culture who formally inaugurated the ‘Ranga Sapthaka’. Nationally acclaimed theatre artist and director of some of the famous Kannada Plays, Jeevan Ram Sullia and Rev. Fr. Paul Rego, Parish Priest of Pamboor were the guests of honour. Prof. Vincent Alva, Associate Professor in Milagres College, Kallianpur and Honorary President of Parichaya presided over the inaugural function. Anil D’Sa, President and Prakash Noronha, Secretary of Parichaya were also on the dais.

 

The programme began with the Parichaya theme song as the office bearers   and members stood on the dais.  Following the welcome address by Anil D’Sa the guests were honoured with shawls and bunches of Jasmine flowers.

 

Prakash Noronha briefly narrated the circumstances that led to the establishment of Parichaya, highlighted it aims and objectives and listed various cultural, artistic and literary activities that were conducted by the organization since the last four years since its inception in 2012.

 

On this occasion, a collection of short stories titled ‘Suduguda Kaya’ written by Anu Belle, lecturer in Alva’s College, Moodubidri was released by Dr. H. Shantaram.

 

In his address,  Dr. Shantaram complimented Parichaya for its efforts in awakening  an interest in art, culture and literature among  the villagers, especially among the children. However, he cautioned that it is easy to start an organization of this type but difficult to sustain it. He suggested that  in order to sustain such institutions, it is important for the elders to train and educate the youngsters so that they would be able to continue these institutions.

 

Rev. Fr. Paul Rego  said that one play can do the work of hundred teachers as the plays revolve around the issues connected with the society. It is not only the efforts of the actors and play writers that are involved in staging a play but also a number of logistic supporters who work as a team for the successful presentation of plays.

 

 

Jeevan Ram Sullia in his address said that every human being is an actor who has to perform in different capacities at different places and positions. He emphasized the fact that performing arts such as dramas and  Yakshagana have therapeutic effects. Citing the example of his own father who had been a Yakshagana artist and had been active in many Yakshagana presentations, who was affected with a stroke and bed ridden and after  prolonged treatment could not recover, it was his love for Yakshagana and regular Yakshagana performances in the vicinity of his house that eventually led to his recovery. Jeevan Ram appreciated the good work that is being done by Parichaya in a remote village in order to promote arts, culture and literature irrespective of   religion, language and community.

 

Prof. Vincent Alva thanked Dr. H. Shantaram and Jeevan Ram Sullia for accepting the invitation for the inauguration of ‘Ranga Sapthaka’ and made an appeal to art lovers to take advantage of the various activities of Parichaya and also support it by their participation and monetary help.

 

Ivan Peter, Treasurer of Parichaya proposed the vote of thanks and Pundalika Marate compeered the programme.

 

The inaugural play of Ranga Sapthaka,  ‘Nemmadi Apt’ Flat No. 252, presented by Ranga Sangathi (R), Mangalore written by Shashiraj Rao, Kavoor and directed by Mohanchandra U. kept the audience spellbound by the plot of the play as well as flawless acting by all the actors depicting different characters. The play revolves around the evil effects of ’flat system’ in towns and cities, the indifference of neighbours even during tragedies such as death;  selfishness of family members represented by the eldest son, daughter and son-in-law and promotion of self interest by various persons such as a corporator, police officials, prperty dealer, etc. The play also brings out good nature of domestic help, watchman of the society, fire brigade official, friend of the owner of the flat and a lawyer friend. 

 

Ranga Sapthaka would be a very good opportunity for theatre lovers to witness some of the best stage plays in Kannada, Tulu and Konkani. The line up of the week long Ranga Sapthaka include the following plays:

 

Sangama Kalivadaru – theatre group from Manipal will present Tulu play, ‘Chomana Dudi’ on Monday February 29. Theatre director Udyavar Nagesh Kumar will be present.

 

Kalaakul Repertory from Mangaluru will present Konkani play, ‘Santanam’ on Tuesday March 1.  Mandd Sobhann® Mangaluru chairman Eric Ozario will be present on the occasion.

 

Chittara – theatre group from Bengaluru will present Kannada play, ‘Mariyamla Moorane Maduve’ on Wednesday March 2. Renowned Sandalwood movie and TV serial actor, director Rajendra Karant Bengaluru will be present.

 

Rangabhoomi® - theatre group from Udupi will present Tulu play, ‘Kala Chakra’ on Thursday March 3. Tulu Koota® Udupi honorary president Dr Bhaskaranand Kumar Manipal will be present.

 

Rang Antarang – theatre group from Mangaluru will present Konkani play written and directed by Eddie Sequeira, ‘Parat Ek Pavtim’, on Friday March 4. The award winning litterateur and playwright in 3 languages Catherine Rodrigues Katpady will be present.

 

Parichaya – Pamboor chairman Anil D’Sa Shankerpura will preside over the valedictory function on Saturday, March 5 at 6.15pm.

 

Chittara – theatre group from Bengaluru will present Kannada play, ‘Paavbaji’ as the valedictory play.