Udupi: Prof M Laxminarayana Samaga to Head Karnataka Yakshagana Academy
By Snehalatha Udupi
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 07 Sept 2011: Samaga house hold of Malpe is known for their un-reserved contribution towards the development of the art of Yakshagana and Tala Maddale. Now the state government has offered an opportunity to one of their illustrious members Prof. Malpe Laxminarayana Samaga to serve as an administrator and academician in this field.
After a separate academy was formed to serve the interests of Yakshagana and Talamaddale, Shri Keremane Shambhu Hegde from Uttara Kannada, Shri Kumble Sundara Rao from Dakshina Kannada and then of the same calibre –actor and interpreter- Prof. Shri Malpe Laxminarayana Samaga from Udupi district has been chosen to be the president of the academy. For those who know him it is very happy news indeed. Prof. M.L. Samaga is the son of Mr Shankaranarayana Samaga, the top most artiste of the Yakshagana and Tala Maddale, is equally expert in both Thenkuthittu and Badaguthittu yakshagana arts. For 35 years he has served this form of art and he is considered as an authority in this form of art. He was also chosen as the president of the national conference on Yakshagana held in Mumbai.
He had Yakshagana shows and Tala Maddale performances nationwide with co- artistes like Keremane Shambhu Hegde, Keremane Mahabala Hegde, Nebbooru Narayana Bhagavatha, Hosa Thota Manjunatha Bhagavatha, Gode Narayana Hegde, Chittani Ramachandra Hegde, Balipa Narayana Bhagavatha, Damodara Mandecha, Kumble Govinda Bhat, Nidle Narasimha Bhat, Putturu Shridhara Bhandary etc. Doing the female role was his forte. He has travelled with his troupe to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Italy, Singapore etc. and performed Yakshagana shows there. He has also adapted English language in Yakshagana dialogues and has scripted the Life of Jesus Christ in Yakshagana art. He has also conducted many workshops and seminars on yakshagana. He is the author of many articles and was awarded the District Rajyostsava Prashasthi.