Theatre troupes write to government to open auditoriums for shows

Keywords: auditoriums, theatre, culture, Jyoti Prakash Panigarhi, Rabindra Mandap, Utkal Mandap
Auditoriums in the city have remained closed for more than seven months now due to the coronavirus pandemic. And theatre groups that used to stage plays in the auditoriums have been facing a lot of problems.

The Odisha Natya Sangha, an association of around 140 theatre groups in the state, recently wrote to state culture minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, requesting reopening of auditoriums from November 1. They also asked the minister to allow them to start rehearsals in the auditoriums.
The letter also mentioned that due to a lack of performances in the past seven months, theatre artistes and those who depend on theatre have been facing huge financial crisis. Haren Sahu, president of the association, said the theatre artistes, directors, writers, musicians, light designers, costume designers and make-up artistes are all in a depressed state due to a lack of income. “It’s high time the auditoriums are reopened and theatre groups allowed to stage live performances,” he wrote.
The association also assured the minister that they would take responsibility of following Covid-19 safety guidelines during rehearsals and shows.
Inspired By