Dearth of auditoriums, a concern to artistes

In the wake of increase in cultural events in the capital region, the dearth of auditoriums in the city has come to the fore. Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju Kala Vedika in Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College, Railway Institute, Siddhartha Auditorium, Kaladarshini, Fr Devaiah Memorial Auditorium in Andhra Loyola College and Siva Rama Krishna Kshetram (Rama Koti) are the major auditoriums in the city.

But each one has its own limitations and the auditoriums are not fully equipped to organise all kinds of cultural events. This has become a major hindrance to many talented artistes who want to get due recognition by giving performances in the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to The Hans India, a few artistes underlined the need for construction of more fully-equipped auditoriums in the city to promote art and culture in a big way in the capital region.

BV Narayana (Nareen), a retired BSNL official and artiste, said, “Most of the auditoriums in the city do not have requisite infrastructure to stage playlets. Kshetrayya Kalakshetram renovation works are unlikely to be completed by Krishna Pushkarams. The Kalakshetram has remained closed for quite a long time affecting the conduct of cultural events in the city.

Laila Gangaraju Kala Vedika is not fit for staging dramas as it does not have green rooms. Siddhartha Auditorium and Kaladarshini needs to be made more accessible. Construction of more auditoriums should be taken up in all parts of the city to promote cultural activities in the capital region.”

Bayana Sreenivasa Rao, an irrigation employee and artiste, said, “Emphasis should be laid on development of infrastructure to promote stage art in the capital region. The Municipal Corporation of Vijayawada should take urgent measures to speed up renovation of Kshetrayya Kalakshetram. Theatre artistes should also be involved in its renovation.”

Artiste V Satyanarayana said, “Construction of fully-equipped mini-auditoriums should be taken up in all corners of the city and its suburbs. An auditorium should be built on the premises of the museum for the conduct of cultural events which attract tourists. The land of Rama Mohan Library in the prime area of the city should be utilised in more meaningful manner to promote art and culture.’’

By HVRS Prasad