PANJIM: Renowned dramatist Rajdeep Naik, known for his satirical telephonic conversations with the fictitious Vasanti, used his ‘natok’ to bring on stage, the deteriorating condition of the Kala Academy, the home of theatre in Goa
He has warned that the artists will come on the streets if the government fails to carry out a full-proof renovation of the “renovated” Kala Academy auditorium, Campal-Panjim.
While staging his Konkani play on Monday night, Naik read out a letter written to Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, who is also chairman of Kala Academy, highlighting the sorry plight of the Kala Academy auditorium, which is in a deteriorating position.
Naik recalled how renowned architect Charles Correa with great efforts and versatility built the iconic Kala Academy complex to provide a platform for all the budding Goan artistes to excel and make a career.
“Now the same platform has become a prey to the corrupt politicians and contractors,” he said.
“The original sound system in the auditorium has been replaced with cheaper versions. Kala Academy was known for its best sound system, but after three years of renovation, the audience is unable to enjoy the performance as the artists are struggling with their performance due to poor equipment,” Naik said.
“For the past three years, the government has done some sort of repair work in the name of renovation. Earlier even if a pin drops on the stage, the sound could be heard at the back of the auditorium clearly,” he said.
He pointed out that Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude had stated that the government has spent around Rs 70-75 crore on renovation works.
“My question is, if the government has spent around Rs 70-75 crore for the renovation, then why do we artists have to hire sound systems? The pitiable condition which the government has made of the Academy will not be forgiven easily by my fellow artistes and Goans,” warned Naik.
Furthermore, Naik went to show the problems of the acoustic systems to the audience.
Reacting to this Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude said “We had earlier tested all the equipment before inaugurating the auditorium, in the presence of Bose Engineers. Soon after renovation, we staged the drama, where I also played a role, to know what the deficiencies were as far as the sound system was concerned. The technical team is yet to get accustomed to the functioning of the sound system,” Gaude said.
But Rajdeep Naik was not done yet. He pointed out that the spotlights which the artistes use are being replaced by cheap LED lights, which are of no use while staging dramas. These LED lights keep on changing colours.
“The 1,000 watts spotlights are replaced by 100 watts and it does not provide better lighting. Sometimes the audiences complain that the actors are not visible during a play because of poor lighting. The curtains that used to operate automatically are now being operated manually. The sound system is in a mess,” he complained.
“I now make only one demand i.e. revert the heritage Kala Academy building, which we have revered as a temple, to its original glory. Gaude had assured us that he would not change the design of the Kala Academy while renovating it. Live up to your assurance and don’t force the artists to come on the streets,” Naik concluded.
Gaude however charged that Naik was politicising the Kala Academy issue.
“He (Naik) is doing a political stunt. He wants to politicise the issue. He had staged a drama on April 10 and after almost a gap of 19 days he found fault with the Kala Academy auditorium. Where was he for 19 days? If he had affection and genuine difficulty, he would have brought it to the notice of the Member Secretary of Kala Academy, like tiatrists and other drama artistes did,” Gaude said.
“But he (Naik) did not do it and instead decided to criticise, which is nothing political stunt,” he said.
“I met with the PWD officials on Tuesday and told them to complete the remaining work in all respects. Sound engineers, acoustic designers and representatives of tiatrists and drama artists will inspect the Kala Academy auditorium at 11 am on May 2,” he said.
