Sunday’s lighting malfunction that interrupted the Marathi play ‘Purush’ at the renovated Kala Academy in Panaji puts the spotlight once again on issues that have plagued this iconic cultural venue since its reopening. The halt in performance not only frustrated the actors and audience but also rekindled broader concerns regarding the integrity of the State’s commitment to arts and culture.
Kala Academy, often regarded as the heartbeat of Goan theatrical space, has been mired in complaints concerning its infrastructure since its grand reopening. With a hefty price tag of around Rs 60 crore for renovations, one would expect a seamless experience for performers and enthusiasts alike. Unfortunately, the reality has been starkly different so far. The Sunday incident, emblematic of a larger pattern, is becoming increasingly common. Theatre personalities have been voicing grievances over the sound and lighting systems, as well as the overall management of the auditorium.
The concerns are much beyond mere inconveniences. Theatre is a complex art form that requires harmony between light, sound, and performance to create an immersive experience. Disruptions breed disconnection for an audience, ripping them from the narrative flow. Lead actors Sharad Ponkshe and Spruha Joshi, who visibly expressed their frustration during the unscheduled break, exemplified the impact these malfunctions can have on the overall artistry.
While Minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude ordered an investigation into the technical glitches this time, the government’s response has been painfully slow otherwise. If we may recall, in a Task Force meeting last year, prominent theatre artist Vijay Kenkre lamented that the quality of repairs “doesn’t even deserve passing marks”. Despite the availability of expert opinions and recommendations, the situation has stagnated, leading to repeated technical issues. Such negligence not only undermines the hard work and creativity of local artists but also tarnishes the reputation of Kala Academy as a premier venue.
The unresponsiveness, or rather the refusal by decision-makers to acknowledge shortcomings has made the situation worse. Popular figures like veteran actor Ponkshe have taken to appealing directly to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for action, a move indicative of the desperation felt by many. The fact that the same grievances have been aired repeatedly hints at systemic failures. Facilities in Kala Academy cannot be evaluated on a trial-and-error basis.
The question is, how long will this situation persist? With the government maintaining a wait-and-see approach, the artistes remain in limbo. It is imperative that the authorities take a proactive stance now rather than perpetuate a cycle of oversight. As recommended by many industry insiders, it is time to invite external experts once again to re-evaluate the infrastructure, lighting, sound, and overall management of Kala Academy, ensuring that everything aligns with professional standards. The comments from opposition leaders reinforce the urgency of these measures. It is indeed shameful that the voices of artistes have been repeatedly going unheard.
The disruption during ‘Purush’ is more than a fleeting mishap; it is a symptom of deeper, ongoing issues at the Kala Academy. The artistic community deserves a venue that fosters creativity without technical hindrances. Immediate, decisive action is not just preferable but necessary and indifference to these concerns not only compromises performances but jeopardizes Kala Academy’s legacy as a cultural seat. It is high time for the government to take these issues seriously and restore the faith of its artistes and audiences alike.
