Wanted: artistes for Konkani theatre

Wanted: artistes for Konkani theatre

Mandd Sobhann to set up Konkani professional theatre group

• Applicants will undergo a minimum of one year's training
• The last date for applying is June 25

MANGALORE: Unemployed? Aged between 15 and to 25 years? Have the flair for theatre and interested in earning Rs. 3,000 a month? Then contact Kalakul, Mandd Sobhann Natak Academy at Shaktinagar. Well, this might sound like a job advertisement. While this is no doubt an invitation for those interested in theatre, it is also an attempt to set up the first full-time professional Konkani theatre group locally.

Mandd Sobhann has involved itself in promoting Konkani language, its culture, arts and folklore. While promoting Konkani theatre was one of its prime objectives, preoccupation of its office-bearers with their vocation meant that theatre activities at "Kalaangann," its cultural head office was restricted to staging a play/drama one Sunday every month.

It is here that the idea of setting up Kalakul, a unit dedicated to producing new Konkani dramas gained ground. For Eric Ozario, the "Gurkar" of Mandd Sobhann, the idea of setting up Kalakul is one through which Konkani theatre can be given a new lease of life.

Mr. Ozario told presspersons here on Friday that the applicants would undergo a minimum of one year's training. The intake had been restricted to 15.

The applicants would be selected based on their skills and aptitude for theatre. Candidates have the option of either continuing at Kalakul or quitting after one year. Applicants need not have any experience in theatre. The last date for applying is June 25. The training will commence on July 16. Details can be had on ph. 0824-2230489/2232239.