PANJIM: Theatre Director Narayan Kharade on Saturday alleged misadministration and harassment of theatre artistes by Kala Academy.
Addressing the media, Kharade said they had done a production for Kala Academy and had commenced rehearsals on July 14 and the first show was presented on October 5. “It’s has been nearly two and half months after the presentation of our first show but till today Kala Academy has not paid a single penny to the carpenters who had constructed the set, make-up designers and same is the case with the casual artistes and other technicians and designers,” said Kharade
“I have written several letters to the Kala Academy and it was only after that some payments were made to certain people but in the case of casual artistes they have been paid only for on 45 days when they have worked for more than that,” he said
Stating that artistes are reluctant to work with Kala Academy as payments do not come on time and they have had bad experiences in the past, he demanded that Kala Academy release the payments to people involved in the show on a priority basis or else they will take legal action.
When contacted, Kala Academy Vice Chairman Raja Khedekar said, “I have not received any letter nor has any file come to me. I am totally unaware of the situation. Once I receive the letter or the file I will definitely look into the matter.”
