The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Theatre as a vehicle for social change

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Monday, May 12, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Theatre as a vehicle for social change

Asha Mavinasara

‘Socially constructive plays can entertain, create awareness’

Ganesha has acted in 20 plays under the aegis
of Ninasam
Says theatre should be continuously experimented with

Ganesha M.

Bangalore: Entertainment, believes theatre director Ganesha M., can be one of the best agents of social change. This multi-faceted theatre personality, who recently won the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for his achievements in this field, spoke to The Hindu about the relevance of theatre in the State and about what inspires him.

It has been nearly 10 years since Mr. Ganesha joined Ninasam, a prestigious Karnataka-based theatre group. K.V. Subbanna, the founder of the group, is his hero, he says, for having brought theatre back on the cultural map of the State.

Most of Mr. Ganesha’s plays are based on social issues such as poverty, illiteracy and superstition. “By performing plays based on such themes, we not only entertain the people, but also spread awareness among them,” he says.

While television and other sources of entertainment have had a big impact on theatre’s diminishing popularity, he says one must not over-generalise. “There are still people in certain towns and villages who rush to watch their favourite plays.

Even in urban areas, certain city-based theatre groups are regaining popularity,” he says.

Mr. Ganesha has acted in 20 plays under the aegis of Ninasam and directed eight plays including five for children as part of summer camps. Although he is best known and appreciated for his directorial skills, he says his first love is acting.

State-wide travel

“Janamanadaata”, the theatre group that he has created, travels around the State on shows. “I believe we should constantly experiment with new possibilities in theatre and try different narrative techniques,” he says. His group wants to try adapting non-dramatic texts as play scripts, including short stories and novels.

Mr. Ganesha is currently doing his Ph.D. in non-dramatic texts and modern Kannada theatre from Kuvempu University. He also works as a lecturer in Ninasam Rangashikshana Kendra.Reminiscing about how his dramatic journey began, he says, “As a child, I remember, I was a good mimic and enjoyed participating in plays at school. When I was in college, one of my lecturers encouraged me to join a theatre group. Initially, I took part in the activities of Ninasam out of interest, and had planned to become a teacher later. But, after I saw how people appreciated my work, I changed my plans and stayed put.”

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