Kannada theatre has a new home in Dubai!

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"" - a celebrated Kannada play written by Dr Girish Karnad and directed by Prakash Rao Payyar was staged by Dhwani Pratishthaana in UAE.

Continuing the legacy of quality Kannada programs in UAE, Dhwani Prathisthaana selected this drama for enactment with an intention to bring serious art plays to Dubai. It was a Friday evening and the there was much awaited Shrilanka - India world cup cricket match waiting. But still the packed crowd at the Indian Consulate hall provided proof to the belief of Mr. Prakash Rao Payyar that Dubai does have an audience for Kannada plays as well.

A truly professional performance by Ms. Prathima Shetty as Kurudavva was liked by one and all. Donald Corea enacted challenging dual roles of Appanna and Nagappa with ease. Gopika Mayya gave a superb performance as the innocent bride of Appanna. Vishvanath Shetty was at his usual best in the role of Kappanna. Prabhakar Kamath as Manushya and Irene Pinto as Kate were also able to link the play with the audience well.

Stage set up by Noel, music by Vijay, lighting by Dayan, sound by Gopi Kamath and playback singing by Raviraj provided the best support to the Drama. The villagers also gave a good presentation. The group dance belaku choreographed by Rajesh left the audience spellbound.

Chief guest of the occasion senior stage artist Ms. B Jayashree was presented Shriranga Ranga Prashasti instituted by Dhwani Prathishthaana in memory of late Adya Rangacharya, a pioneer in modern day Kannada Theatre. She has acted in theatre, directed plays, and acted in films and TV serials for more than four decades. Granddaughter of the famous theatre personality Gubbi Viranna, Jayashree grew up as a child artist.

Ms. Jayashree thanked Dhwani Prathisthaana and the people of Dubai for recognizing her services to the theatre field and considering her for an award instituted in memory of Adya Rangacharya, father of Kannada theatre. She also gave a spirited display of her singing talent by singing some melodious theatre songs.

The guests included Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Sarvottam Shetty, Satish Mayya, Shekhar Shetty, Ranganath Kulkarni, James Mendonca, S S Rao and Ganesh Rai

Manohar Tonse compeered the program and Arthur Pereira proposed vote of thanks.

Kudos to the efforts of Prakash Rao Payyaar and over thirty dedicated artists, Kannada theatre has a new home in Dubai!