Theatre festival in Kalaburagi from Feb. 21

To strengthen theatre activities in Kalaburagi district, a five-year continuous theatre development plan has been envisioned with Kalaburagi Natakotsava 2026 being the first major step, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and district in-charge Minister Priyank Kharge has said.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, the Minister said that the theatre festival will be held from February 21 to 28 in collaboration with Rangashankara Theatre Group of renowned theatre personality Arundhati Nag.

The eight-day festival will feature plays for general audiences and children, along with theatre interactions and discussions.

Through this theatre festival, the rich cultural legacy and the philosophies and values of Sharanas, saints and Sufis will be conveyed to audiences by expert theatre groups and seasoned theatre artists. This initiative, planned for five years, aims to revive and sustain theatre culture in the region.

More than 200 artists and theatre practitioners from cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and other parts will participate in the theatre festival.

Mr. Kharge said that theatre activity is limited in the region. The long-term plan aims to ensure regular programmes. He said that local theatre artists will be given more opportunities in the coming years.

Entry for senior citizens will be at a nominal fee, while children will have an opportunity to watch them free during the festival.

The Natakotsava will be held at S.M. Pandit Rangamandir Auditorium, featuring eight theatre performances by leading theatre groups from across India.

The festival opens with Karimayi by Spandana, Bengaluru, on February 21, followed by Jo Dooba So Paar by Aranya Theatre Group, Mumbai, on February 22, Mukhya Mantri by Kalagangothri, Bengaluru, on February 23, Purana Chawal by D For Drama, Mumbai, on February 24, Kamarupigalu by Sanchaya, Bengaluru, on February 25, About Ram, a puppet performance by Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, New Delhi, on February 26, Kalachakra by Karnataka Rangayana, Kalaburagi, on February 27 and Bob Marley from Kodihalli by Jangama Collective, Bengaluru, on February 28.

Besides the main event, children’s theatre performances will be organised at Rangayana in Kalaburagi from February 22 to 27, featuring puppet and non-verbal plays by Rangashankara and other national groups. In addition, theatre discussions and interactions for theatre practitioners and enthusiasts will be conducted.