Children have to wait till next year for enjoying their summer vacation, learning theatre and other activities at Rangayana, a premier theatre repertory here, as the much-awaited Chinnara Mela, a popular summer camp organised by the repertory, is not happening this year too. Reason: Rangayana artists are touring the State in connection with the staging of a play.
The last Chinnara Mela was held in 2019 and it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 owing to COVID-19.
The artists are staging ‘Parva’, an eight-hour long play based on the work of novelist S.L. Bhyrappa, in all major district headquarters and also outside the State. Rangayana has plans to conclude the staging of the play in June.
Rangayana Director Addanda Cariappa said the Chinnara Mela is not happening this year but it will happen with a new concept next year. As ‘Parva’ is being staged in the State, the artistes are busy touring the State and are therefore not available for engaging the children. “Next year, the 45-day camp will be a unique one. We have plans to engage those who did their courses in theatre in Rangayana to be with the children and make the activities valuable for their growth.”
Chinnara Mela has grown in popularity over the years, and is very sought after not just in Mysuru city but also in other parts. Parents make sure their wards get a chance to attend the camp at least once as it brings out the best in the children who are imparted training in theatre, elocution, folk art and culture, rural games, singing, dancing, painting besides engaging them in a host of activities. The month-long camp helps participants overcome their shyness in areas like public speaking besides building confidence in them.
Scores of parents used to line up in front of Rangayana at the crack of dawn every year to get applications for the camp which would be sold out within half-an-hour. Such is the demand for Chinnara Mela which was introduced in 1997 and has been an annual feature since then.
Mr. Cariappa said ‘Parva’ will be staged in Chandigarh, New Delhi, Bhopal, Varanasi and Nagpur. Fifty shows have been planned and already 21 shows, including those in Mysuru, have been staged. The last show will be staged in Mysuru after completing the tour, he said, adding that the ensuing 25 shows will be in the State and five outside the State.
Mr. Cariappa said Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival, which concluded at Rangayana recently, will be conducted in December this year. “We need to start the preparations and work on the plays.”
