Youth artistes take up serious theatre

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 19, 2015: Youth in general and students in particular have plunged into mainstream theatre by launching a serious theatre group called `Aata’.  Within a year of its launch Aata - ’Academy of Amateurs Theatre Artists’, has won praise for its sterling performances notably from Udupi based serious theatre group-Rangabhoomi. The 35 plus members who are students of Canara, SDM, Mangalore University, Rosario and St Aloysius evening college, are involved in every area of the art from pre-production, to selling tickets and staging the play, informs Aata’s mentor and Director Christopher J D’Souza.

A graduate of Ninasam theatre Christopher D’Souza recollects visiting college campuses since 2011 in order to direct serious plays for college annual day celebrations. Even after staging plays during annual day celebrations or for drama competitions, I found some students still passionate about theatre.  So, two years ago, a few students came together to launch ’Aata’. Since 2014, Aata has been active and staged as many as nine plays in Mysooru and other cities.

The biggest challenge faced by amateur serious theatre group is in finding sponsors willing to bear  expenses involved in a production. Presently generosity of some parents is helping the group meet logistic expenses. As a Director,  Christopher D’Souza faces the challenge of getting students for rehearsals on a days and times suitable to all. More women-students are needed in the group, a need to convince parents on allowing their daughters to perform in plays at different places is a challenge too.

Basic support if given by government, amateur serious theatre will go to the next level,  he stresses and adds that unlike in past abundant talent exists about theatre. Aata Vice president Santosh, pursuing M Com in Canara college, says they remain thankful to Christopher for providing a platform and showcasing their talents. The group experience a sense of helplessness while raising money to meet expenses of a production it was stated.

Anantha Prajwal A, who scores the background music and doubles up as make-up artist, believes that he is fortunate in being able to pursue his passion, theatre, even after graduating from college. The serious theatre unlike traditional plays is a challenge, he informs and thanks Mandd Sobhann for providing a space to conduct rehearsals.
Ashwathama to be staged :  Aata’s tenth play, "Ashwathama", will be staged at Don Bosco hall on March 18, Wednesday. The play lasting about 90 minutes will begin at 6 pm, Aata President Prashant informed Express. `Ondu Bogase neeru’, their first play was staged in Mangaluru and elsewhere. D’Souza reiterates that the most heartening aspect about youth is that they have a capacity to think deeply about social issues and improvise constantly to ensure that the play emotionally relates to the audience.