‘Repeated technical glitches to be probed’
Special Correspondent
Panaji: Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude on Sunday said he would initiate a detailed investigation into the repeated technical failures in the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium of the Kala Academy (KA) complex, especially during the staging of professional Marathi plays, just as allegations were made as regards the failure in the air-conditioning system of the auditorium during the performance of the professional Marathi play ‘Shrimant Damodarpant’ on Sunday afternoon.
A video went viral showing that the air-conditioning system in the theatre stopped functioning even before the play had begun. The play is directed by Kedar Shinde and noted actor Bharat Jadhav is in the lead role.
It also showed that the audience was being informed by a representative of the KA management that the air-conditioning system would be repaired by the staff of the Academy as soon as possible.
The Minister for Art and Culture told The Navhind Times that he himself is confused over such incidents, as a programme of the Hedgewar School was held the same morning without any kind of inconvenience.
“Furthermore, yesterday there was a musical show by the playback singer Sanjeevani Bhelande in the same auditorium.
“I was personally present there. There was no problem about air-conditioning,” he maintained.
The minister said that someone is trying to sabotage KA’s credibility and therefore such repeated technical glitches are happening.
“I will soon initiate an investigation to find out who is at the root of this conspiracy,” he added.
Incidentally, a week ago the staging of another professional Marathi play ‘Purush’ was interrupted in the same auditorium following malfunctioning of the stage lighting system.
The lead actor in the particular play Sharad Ponkshe had to seek a short break for the ongoing play and apologise to the audience. He also expressed disappointment over the working of the management of the premier art and culture centre in the state.
Later, the Art and Culture Minister through a press conference criticised Ponkshe for having defamed the academy.
