Patna's beloved cultural landmark, Kalidas Rangalaya, is undergoing a massive transformation that will elevate it to a world-class performing arts destination. The historic theatre, which has served artists and theatre enthusiasts in Bihar for decades, is receiving a comprehensive makeover with state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities.
Revolutionizing the Theatre Experience
The renovation project, sanctioned with a budget of Rs 7 crore from the department of art, culture and youth, government of Bihar, aims to address long-standing challenges faced by both performers and audiences. The building construction department is executing the ambitious project, which is expected to be completed by January-end next year.
One of the most significant upgrades includes the installation of full air-conditioning throughout the auditorium. This development brings much-needed relief to artists and visitors, particularly during Patna's intense summer months when extreme heat previously caused performers' makeup to melt and made audiences uncomfortable.
Cutting-Edge Facilities and Modern Amenities
The transformed Kalidas Rangalaya will feature 300 modern push-back chairs for enhanced audience comfort, along with wooden flooring and upgraded safety equipment. The venue is receiving advanced lighting and sound systems, with materials and specialized equipment being sourced from Kolkata and Delhi to ensure top-quality standards.
Artists will benefit from a completely renovated green room equipped with all necessary facilities and an attached washroom. The performance space is being dramatically upgraded with a spacious new stage measuring 55 feet by 43 feet, designed to accommodate both performers' needs and the demands of diverse theatrical productions.
Preserving Legacy While Embracing Modernity
Kumar Abhishek Ranjan, general secretary of Bihar Art Theatre, emphasized that the upgrades aim to eliminate difficulties historically faced by artists. "We want Kalidas Rangalaya to become a theatre where artists feel completely supported and audiences enjoy a world-class experience," he stated.
Ranjan provided updates on the progress: "The civil work has been completed and finishing touches are being done. At this stage, work on acoustic panelling, light, and sound is pending. We are expecting that the work will be completed within a couple of months."
Future plans for the premises include developing a cafeteria named 'Annapurna' for visitors and audiences, along with a guest house for artists visiting from other parts of the country and for guest faculties conducting workshops.
Arun Kumar Sinha, vice president of Bihar Art Theatre, highlighted the balance between modernization and heritage preservation. The focus remains on creating a venue equipped with cutting-edge facilities while maintaining the theatre's rich legacy as one of Bihar's most active cultural spaces, historically hosting plays on at least 300 days each year.
From its humble beginnings with open-air performances to its current status as a cherished auditorium, Kalidas Rangalaya has been a cornerstone of Bihar's theatre movement. With these extensive upgrades, the institution is poised to begin an exciting new chapter, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sophistication for future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
