The tale of two theatres in Shivamogga

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A view of Shivarama Karantha Rangamandira at Heggodu in Sagara taluk of Shivamogga district. | Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh

Two auditoriums in Shivamogga district, both venues for significant theatre productions, were inaugurated after renovation within two days of each other. The Shivaram Karantha Rangamandira at Heggodu was restored with money raised from donors and theatre enthusiasts. The Shantaveri Gopalagowda auditorium at Tumari, was renovated with State government support.

For years, office-bearers of Ninasam (Neelanakteshwara Natyaseva Sangha) in Heggodu sought government funds to renovate the auditorium, built in 1972. Noted theatre personality K.V. Akshara raised the matter with Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi during his visit to Heggodu in May 2025, pointing out that the roof had deteriorated over the years. The minister promised to release a grant, but no funds came.

Shishira K.V., treasurer of the Ninasam executive committee, told The Hindu that a proposal for funds had been pending for some time. It came close to approval during Siddaramaiah’s tenure but did not go through. “Finally, we began the work with donations from various individuals and institutions,” he said. “About 55 donors have given substantial amounts, and many others contributed anywhere between ₹1,000 and above.”

The entire equipment in Shivarama Karantha Rangamandira has been changed at the cost of ₹96 lakh. | Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh

The renovation replaced the old equipment, including the lighting and sound system. “This is the first auditorium in the State with LED lighting. We have changed the entire set-up, and the equipment alone cost ₹96 lakh,” Mr. Shishira said. The stage was also extended by 3,500 sq ft, increasing its depth.

The renovated auditorium was inaugurated on October 1, the opening day of Ninasam’s five-day annual event, Kalegala Sangada Matukate (Conversation with the Arts). The first play staged there was Andhayug.

A view of the renovated Shantaveri Gopala Gowda Rangamandira at Tumari in Sagara taluk. The renovated structure was inaugurated on October 3. | Photo Credit: SATHISH G.T.

At Tumari, villagers built an auditorium in 1987 and named it after Shantaveri Gopalagowda, a well-known socialist leader and former legislator. It has long hosted the village’s theatre and cultural activities.

It has now been renovated with over ₹25 lakh. The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), headed by T.D. Rajegowda, who is also Sringeri MLA, and Sagar MLA Belur Gopalakrishna have contributed funds. During the renovation, unidentified miscreants tried to damage the structure by setting part of it on fire.

The auditorium was inaugurated on October 3 with a programme in socialist leader Halkere Manjunath Bhat’s memory. | Photo Credit: SATHISH G.T.

The renovated hall was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Rajegowda and Kerala Minister for Tourism P.C. Vishnunadh who is married to Ha.Ma. Kanaka, a native of Halkere, a village near Tumari, and Abhivyakthi forum president Lokpal Jain on October 3.

Socialist leader Halkere Manjunath Bhat and other Tumari residents sustained the village’s theatre and cultural life through the Abhivyakti forum. His son, Halkere Raghu, now holds a seminar in his memory every year. The auditorium was inaugurated on October 3 with a programme in Manjunath Bhat’s memory, a three-day event attended by writers, intellectuals and students from across the State.

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