Mangalore, March 16: Theatre education should be introduced in government schools, said Theatre Director Prasanna. Speaking at a discussion on Theatre Director and Activist Prasanna's book 'Nataneya patagala bagge,' he said "there is no social value for drama artistes in today's world. Serial actors are felicitated. Unfortunately, those artistes who have rendered their life to theatre are not honoured."

He said there is no differences between 'desi,' 'charkha' and theatre activities. Theatre itself is a 'desi movement' and facing threat from television while charkha is facing challenges from mills.

Stating that National School of Drama gets Rs 30 crore annually from Culture department, he said out of 20 students, 19 of NSD go for serials. NSD has become a factory to manufacture actors for serials."

"When there are no audience to view plays, whom are we staging drama for? To revive drama, we need to go back to schools. There is a need to stage serious theme oriented drama to attract the audience," he added.
He said the government has announced National School of Drama  in Karnataka in the 11th plan. Government will be responsible for the training in Kannada play and expenditure for the Ranga mandira.

Dr Na Damodar Shetty who moderated the discussion said in 'Nataneya patagalu,' the author has not mentioned about natyashastra. It is not necessary as well. But he has answered many queries.

'Nataneya patagalu' is not restricted to acting alone. But it provides details on visual appearance of the western theatre and sound medium of Indian.

The programme was organised as part of the revival of 'Aayana Natakada Mane'.

Theatre Expert Mohanchandra released 'Ivalajjiyu adamajjanu' on the occasion. Girish Karnad's 'Hayavadana' was staged under the direction of Ivan D'Silva on the occasion.

DHNS