News & pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/VA)
 
Mumbai, Apr 17: “It is a good sign that the art of Yakshagana is improving in several aspects such as costume, acting, dialogue, dance and music”, said professor Shiva Billava.
 
He was speaking at the late Manimalini memorial endowment lecture and live demonstration programme, organized by metro- based Mumbelaku Kannada Balaga at Lak Federation auditorium, Kalyan, here recently.
 

He said that if one takes a close look at the history of Yakshagana, remarkable contributions of some veterans can be found. He also presented a live demonstration of Yakshagana dance, acting and so on
 
Poet Kodu Bhoja Shetty, in his presidential address, said that Yakshagana, the heroic art of Tulunadu has a history of over 500 years.  Although the same episodes of Yakshagana plays are performed several times over the years, it will always attract people.  He called on the new generation of Yakshagana artistes, to avoid the usage of dialogues in other languages. 
 
T S Upadyaya and Venkatesh Pai introduced the guests.  Balaga former president Bhavani Shankar welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory address. Secretary Dr Raghunath compered the programme.