Team Herald
PANJIM: Constituted to review the infrastructure and suggest improvements to Kala Academy, Goa’s premier art and culture centre, the task force has uncovered serious deficiencies in all three critical technical domains of sound, lighting, and acoustics (inclusive of ambient noise control). In its 18-page report, the task force said that in several cases, the basic principles of auditorium system design were overlooked during the renovation and there are sound system deficiencies, lighting system deficiencies and acoustic environment and HVAC noise issues.
“The installed Bose house speaker system fails to provide uniform sound coverage across the auditorium seating. Measurements and listening tests revealed that sound pressure levels drop off significantly towards the back rows. The positioning of the subwoofer cabinets is technically flawed. The auditorium’s microphone inventory and miking approach are not aligned with the diverse needs of theatrical and musical performances,” the report said.
“On-stage sound for performers (monitoring) is insufficient. Only four stage monitor speakers are provided instead of the six that are normally required for full stage coverage. Earlier, the task force met the chief minister at Mantralaya at Porvorim and submitted him the report. The acoustic feedback observed is also a sign that the system has not been properly tuned by an acoustic engineer. The renovation introduced lighting fixtures that are not truly designed for theatre stage lighting,” the report said.
“Another major issue is the dimming capability of the new LED lighting rig. The overall illumination on stage is below acceptable levels for professional productions. The current FOH lighting battens and bars appear to be non-motorised and were re-positioned during renovation,” the report noted.
It has observed that one of the most troubling findings is that the auditorium’s famed acoustics have been altered for the worse.
“Prior to Interim Tech Audit Report by Francis Coelho dated May 8, 2025, Page 5 of 18 renovation, Kala Academy’s main hall was lauded for its balance of reverberation and clarity,” it said.
“Actors could perform without microphones and still be heard clearly in the back rows. Post-renovation, however, that is no longer the case," it said.
The audit also found issues with sound isolation – both from external sources and between internal spaces. During quiet moments of the test drama, ambient noise was distinctly audible: sounds of the HVAC system.
“It is crucial to acknowledge that this report is not an exercise in blame, but a professional blueprint for solutions. The Kala Academy Task Force, led by Vijay Kenkre, took the first step by recognising the problems and bringing experts like Roger Drego on board. Now, with these findings in hand, the leadership – from the Government of Goa to the venue administrators – must demonstrate the will to act on them swiftly and thoroughly. There are “no shortcuts to fixing these problems”, the report said.
Earlier, the task force met chief minister Pramod Sawant at Mantralaya at Porvorim and submitted the report.
Speaking to reporters at Mantralaya at Porvorim, the Chief Minister said, “The Task Force on Kala Academy has submitted its report today. Will hold a meeting on this tomorrow. I have not gone through the report yet.”
Task Force Chairman Vijay Kenkre said, “We had a meeting with the chief minister and we submitted our report to him. Chief Minister assured that rectification work will start after he will have a meeting with the PWD officials. Now it will have to be decided how much time will take to carry out the rectification work.”
Kenkre said, “There are 18 to 20 faults. We have given the details and the CM has assured that he will get them rectified. The task force will supervise the work carried out by the PWD. New tender will be issued for the work. Kala Academy may remain closed for some days when the works will be carried out.”
He said the task force has highlighted in its report that there are problems with lights, acoustics, black box, open air auditorium and in air conditioning, among other things.
Kala Rakhonn Mand Convenor Devidas Amonkar said, “In short it is now clear that the claim that all is well has been proved false. The Chief Minister has accepted that there are flaws in the Kala Academy. Today it has been accepted that Kala Academy is not the way it should be. Till today some people are claiming that there is no problem in Kala Academy. But today when the chief minister has said that all the flaws will be rectified it means things in Kala Academy are not in order."
However, Amonkar said that the Kala Rakhonn Maand will hold its protest against the Supari remarks made by Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude.
The government had constituted a 12-member task force, chaired by theatre artist Vijai Kenkre, to review the Kala Academy's infrastructure and suggest improvements. The task force was established in response to artists' concerns about the renovation work, which they felt was haphazard despite the large amount of funding. The task force conducted an inspection of the Kala Academy complex before its first meeting on October 22.
The task force includes representatives from various departments and organizations, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Kala Academy, Kala Rakhonn Mand, and the Charles Correia Foundation. The Charles Correia Foundation subsequently declined to join the task force.
The task force's primary goal was to assess the current infrastructure status of the Kala Academy and make recommendations for its improvement and upgrading. They aim to address issues raised by artists and ensure that the renovation work aligns with the needs of the arts community.