In a significant development for Konkani theatre, Kalakul Drama Repertory in Mangaluru has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University in Mysuru to introduce a one-year diploma course in theatre training. Mandd Sobhann, a renowned organization in Konkani culture, has played a pivotal role in promoting Konkani Theatre. It established Kalakul, the only Konkani theatre repertory, which has been offering a private Konkani diploma course for the past 13 years, with numerous students graduating successfully.
Kalakul has a rich history of staging over 250 performances, including approximately 50 plays and short plays, across India and abroad. Arun Raj Rodrigues, administrator of Kalakul and member secretary of the governing council, announced to reporters that Mandd Sobhann has set up ‘Kalangann,’ a cultural center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for theatre training and research, featuring a unique amphitheater. After a thorough inspection led by the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Nagesh V Bettakote, Kalakul was granted approval to conduct a one-year diploma program in theatre training.
In accordance with the university’s directives, a governing body was constituted to establish academic guidelines for the program. The faculty will include graduates from prestigious institutions such as the National School of Drama (NSD) and Rangayana, who will serve as lecturers for the course. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in nurturing and promoting Konkani theatre and providing aspiring talents with professional training opportunities.
