Transforming lives of former prisoners through theatre

Twelve people, who spent several years in prison, have now been engaged in reading plays at Rakshidi village in Sakleshpur taluk, as part of the preparation for a theatre production.

Well-known theatre director Hulagappa Kattimani, who has brought over 500 prisoners into theatre for the last 20 years, is conducting a workshop for the actors he trained in prison with the help of Jai Karnataka Sangha of Bellekere in Sakleshpur taluk.

The workshop, which began on May 26, will continue till June 9. “This is the first phase of the project of theatre production, we have planned,” said Mr. Kattimani.

As of now, they are reading Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bhasa’s Mruchhakatika, and G.B. Joshi and Maxim Gorky’s The Lower Depths. “Normally, we do reading sessions of three-four plays, before selecting one for the production. Besides reading plays, the participants do ‘shramadana’ in the village, teach music and dance to children, discuss with local people on various issues, besides doing artworks like clay models and wall painting,” said Mr. Kattimani. Later, they will move to another place near Mysuru, where rehearsals would be held.

Every participant has a story to share. “One of the participants told me he was an ardent follower of Nathuram Godse when he was in prison. His thoughts changed completely after he involved in theatre activities in the prison. Theatre has brought in a change in lives of many,” said Prasad Raxidi of Jai Karnataka Sangha, an organiser of the workshop.

Sharath Shettigar, 38, who was convicted for a crime, is now a supervisor in a hotel in Mysuru. He has played lead roles in Maranayaka, based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth among others.

“Earlier, I had no patience and I paid a heavy price for my conduct. My introduction into theatre has changed my life,” he said. Nanjundaswamy, 43, of Nanjangud is now a singer and has also penned many poems. “When I was convicted, I didn’t know to write or read. Now I’m a different person. I’m working for a big company, besides acting,” he said.

Mr. Kattimani has been directing plays for prisoners through the organisation Sankalpa. Senior police officers have helped the organisation in conducting theatre activity, which helps bring in a change among prisoners.