International seminar on theatre, performing arts begins in Mysuru

A two-day international seminar on theatre and performing arts began at the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hanagal Music and Performing Arts University here on January 12. The Mysuru District Amateur Theatre Artists’ Forum has joined hands with the university to organise the seminar.

The seminar was inaugurated by noted theatre personality C. Basavalingaiah, who spoke at length on the rich tradition of theatre and performing arts in the country, tracing the diversity of art forms from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Highlighting India’s cultural plurality, he said the country is often referred to as ‘Bahutva Bharata’ owing to the vast range of art forms and cultural expressions, adding that there is no discrimination in the world of arts.

He noted that Karnataka is among the foremost States to have constituted academies and universities to promote art forms and languages. “The State has a university for music and performing arts, a university dedicated to folk arts, and universities for classical languages such as Sanskrit. Karnataka also has its own State anthem,” he said.

Recalling the contributions of eminent personalities to art and theatre, the former Rangayana director said it was eminent social reformer Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay who played a pivotal role in the establishment of institutions like Sangeet Natak Akademi. “She was actually from Karnataka,” he added.

Referring to the diversity within the arts, he observed that there are thousands of folk art forms in the country and that every art form has a distinct identity and character.

Vice-Chancellor Nagesh V. Bettakote presided over the inaugural session. Commercial Taxes Department Commissioner Dhanaraju also spoke. Lighting, design, and production experts from the United States and Mexico are participating in the seminar.