Theatre artists of North Karnataka struggle to make a post-Covid encore

Hubballi: Covid-19 has pushed many sectors into trouble. It has also left theatre persons in dilemma as they find it difficult to bring theatre activities back to the stage.
Theatre companies and artists are working on ways to make a comeback amidst strict guidelines of restricting audience and other measures to contain the spread of the virus. Many theatre companies have created virtual platforms to revive their activities in North Karnataka, but are unable to attract theatre lovers, mainly youngsters.
Chindodi Vijay Kumar, managing proprietor, KBR Drama Company, which was established in 1928, said both professional and amateur theatre and their dependents are not finding any alternative way to make a comeback. “In the beginning of March, we started a theatre show at Sirsi by investing Rs 4.5 lakh. About 10 days later, the lockdown was imposed. Since then we have been in trouble. There are 40 artists and side artists, technicians and others associated with the company,” he said.
“Now almost all major sectors have been unlocked partially and some completely, but the theatre field is not unlocked. We are waiting for a government decision to open cinema houses. If that happens, we will follow the same guidelines. We never stopped the show during any situation or circumstance. This is for the first time that the show was stopped for over a month,” he added.
Well known artist and founder of ‘Adi Ranga Theatres’ Yashwant Sardeshpande said that after the lockdown, they tried many options. “But I personally think the online and virtual system will not work for theatre. If cinema houses are allowed to open, then we too will follow the same and plan to start our shows. Yes, audience numbers will be reduced, but it will help us to slowly come back,” he added.
In Karnataka, there are 24 professional theatre companies. Once the theatres reopen, they must spend more for sanitisation, and other activities and restrict the number audiences.