Bengaluru's Honnaru Rangotsava Theatre Festival to Spotlight Six Iconic Groups
A major theatrical celebration is set to illuminate Bengaluru's cultural landscape as the Honnaru Rangotsava festival unfolds at Ravindra Kalakshetra from February 21 to 26. This six-day event brings together six legendary theatre groups, each boasting a rich legacy spanning five decades, in a vibrant tribute to modern Kannada theatre that has profoundly shaped the state's artistic identity.
The Golden Six: Pillars of Kannada Theatre
The festival's name, Honnaru, translates to 'The Golden Six' in Kannada, perfectly encapsulating the participating groups that form the bedrock of this cultural movement. These iconic ensembles include:
- Ranga Sampada
- Samudaya
- Nataranga
- Kalagangothri
- Spandana
- Benaka
Coordination for this landmark event is being handled by esteemed Kannada theatre personalities Srinivas G Kappanna and VM Nagesh, with significant support from actor and former minister Umashree. Their collective efforts aim to delve deep into the fertile history of Kannada theatre, celebrating its transformative journey.
Roots and Revolution: The Birth of a Movement
According to veteran convener Srinivas G Kappanna, the origins of these groups trace back to ancient tribal and folk performances, which gradually evolved into professional theatre focusing on mythological and social themes. However, the real catalyst occurred in September 1969, when 13 amateur groups from Bengaluru, led by R Nagesh and directed by Prof B Chandrashekhar, collaborated to stage Girish Karnad's seminal play Tughlaq.
This production was nothing short of a game-changing phenomenon. At the time, the concept of multiple amateur groups working together was unprecedented. Tughlaq not only launched Karnad into prominence as a playwright but also turned performers like CR Simha and Lokesh into household names. For Kappanna personally, it marked a turning point as he discovered lighting design—a previously unexplored field in Kannada theatre.
The overwhelming success of Tughlaq demonstrated a clear public appetite for serious, literary theatre, setting the stage for further growth.
Evolution and Challenges: From Boom to Resilience
The early 1970s witnessed a dramatic transformation in Kannada theatre. Bold productions by BV Karanth and the influential 1972 National Theatre Festival spurred the emergence of new groups and talents, including Prasanna, CGK, B Jayashree, S Malathi, and Shankar Nag. Writers such as Chandrashekhar Kambar, P Lankesh, and HS Shivaprakash enriched theatrical discourse, while theatre itself evolved into a platform for debate and protest, particularly during the Emergency period.
However, the advent of television in later decades posed a significant challenge. The once-long ticket queues at Ravindra Kalakshetra dwindled as households turned to the glowing screen for entertainment. For a time, the entire theatre movement teetered on the brink of collapse.
Yet, the passion of artists kept the flame alive. Ironically, as television content grew increasingly bland and predictable, audiences began to rediscover the raw, electric experience of live theatre. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the art form.
A Living Legacy: Honoring Trailblazers
Honnaru Rangotsava stands as a powerful testament to this resilience and legacy. Over six days, the festival pays tribute to the trailblazers who forged Kannada theatre's identity:
- The playwrights who gave it a distinctive voice
- The directors who sculpted its form
- The actors who breathed life into its narratives
By celebrating these contributions, the festival not only honors the past but also aims to inspire future generations, ensuring that the vibrant tradition of Kannada theatre continues to thrive and evolve in Bengaluru and beyond.
