Kannada theatre has a new home in Dubai

Dubai, Mar 28: "Naga Mandala" - a celebrated Kannada play written by Dr Girish Karnad and directed by Prakash Rao Payyar was staged by Dhwani Pratishthaana, UAE.

Continuing the legacy of quality Kannada programmes in UAE, Dhwani Prathisthaana selected this drama for enactment with an intention to bring serious art plays to Dubai. It was a Friday evening and the there was much awaited Shrilanka - India world cup cricket match waiting. But still the packed crowd at the Indian Consulate hall provided proof to the belief of Mr. Prakash Rao Payyar that Dubai does have an audience for such type of plays as well.

A truly professional performance by Ms. Prathima Shetty as Kurudavva was liked by one and all. Challenging dual roles of Appanna and Nagappa was enacted with ease by Donald Corea. Gopika Mayya gave a superb performance as the innocent bride of Appanna. Vishvanath Shetty was at his usual best in the role of Kappanna.Prabhakar Kamath as Manushya and Irene Pinto as Kate were able to link the play with the audience well.

Stage set up by Noel, music by Vijay, lighting by Dayan, sound by Gopi Kamath and playback singing by Raviraj provided the best of the support to the Drama. The villagers also gave a good presentation. The group dancers of belaku danced well. Dance was choreographed by Rajesh.

Senior stage artist Ms. B Jayashree was the chief guest. She was presented Shriranga Ranga Prashasti instituted by Dhwani Prathishthaana in memory of late Adya Rangacharya, a pioneer in modern day Kannada Theatre. Grand daughter of the famous theatre personality Gubbi Viranna, Jayashree grew up as a child artist. She has acted in theatre, directed plays, acted in films, acted in TV serials for more than Four decades. Ms. Mangala Shetty introduced the chief guest to the audience.

Ms. Jayashree thanked Dhwani Prathisthaana and the people of Dubai for recognizing her services to the theatre field and considering her for an award instituted in memory of Adya Rangacharya, father of Kannada theatre. She also gave a spirited display of her singing talent by singing some melodious theatre songs.

The guests included Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Sarvottam Shetty, Satish Mayya, Shekhar Shetty, Ranganath Kulkarni, James Mendonca, S S Rao and Ganesh Rai .

Manohar Tonse compeered the program and Arthur Pereira proposed vote of thanks.

Kudos to the efforts of Prakash Rao Payyaar and over thirty dedicated artists, Kannada theatre has a new home in Dubai!

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