Arts and theatre festival flagged off at Ranga Shankara

The three-day arts and theatre festival, ‘EQUAL: Women’s Voices for a Common Humanity,’ was flagged off on Friday.

Panel discussion, cultural programmes and screening of movies based on the theme ‘Imagining an Equal World’ were organised on the first day of the fest organised by Ranga Shankara at its premises. At one of the panel discussions held, writer and activist Vasanth Kannabiran said, “The Nirbhaya gang rape incident has led to increased awareness among citizens about the atrocities committed against women and laws are being strengthened involving crimes against women. This is a good development.”

Writer K V Akshara, who spoke on women's roles in Kannada theatre, said that Kannada plays staged between 1880-1920, though were based on women, not a single woman took part in the plays.

On Saturday, issues focussing on women in work will be discussed, said the organisers. The organisers plan to hold the festival biennially. Interested citizens can call 080 2649 3982 or visit www.bookmyshow.com.