Mysore, Sept. 26 (JP)- B.V. Karanth was a pioneer in amateur theatre, said noted sculptor Balan Nambiar adding that Karanth used his passion for coastal Karnataka's two major art forms, Yakshagana and Bhootharadhane, to create masterpieces in drama.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 'B.V. Karanth Namana-2010 Natakotsava' jointly organised by Rangayana and B.V. Karanth Trust at Vanaranga here.

Balan referred to Karanth's experimentation in using various forms of theatre in contemporary drama and said that his plays like Hayavadana, Jokumaraswamy, Sattavara Neralu, Kattale-Belaku and Gokula Nirgamana are still unique in every sense.

K.S. Rajendran of National School of Drama (NSD), who also spoke, recalled Karanth's days at NSD and his extraordinary work in setting up the Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal. "He helped and encouraged artistes to grow in the field of theatre. His service to theatre was unparalleled."

Rangayana Director Lingadevaru Halemane said they were undecided about the dates for holding the four-day drama festival in memory of B.V. Karanth till last minute due to pronouncement of Ayodhya verdict. "But we decided to go ahead with the festival."

Earlier, a portrait of B.V. Karanth done in oils by B.L. Mahesh, a student of CAVA, was unveiled.

After the inauguration, the play 'Maya Sita Prasanga' was staged.

It may be recalled that when Karanth was at the helm of Rangayana, he had staged this play which is Ramayana-based and Koodiyattam-adapted.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore