Shwetha

How long have you been professionally involved with Kannada theatre?

Though theatre has always been an integral part of my life right from childhood due to my father's involvement in it, I have been professionally involved with theatre since eight years now. I started of with school competitions and was part of Prema Karanth's children's dramatic workshop. My very first public performance was in ' Ispeet Raja' later I acted in 'Apkari Kathe' by Iqbal. Currently I am associated with the troupe 'Geetanjali'.

Kannada theatre is going through a slightly lean phase. What do you think could be done to revive it and generate more interest?

Though there is a lot of talk of the Kannada theatre going through a bad patch, a lot of it is not justified. We continue to have a loyal fan following, but it is true that more help from the government, both monetary and otherwise, would be vastly appreciated. Regional theatre should be promoted on a larger scale, and theatre being such an integral part of a rich culture, should be preserved. Greater participation by the youth, inflow of funds by corporates and more coverage in the media are some of the steps which could revive theatre to a great extent.

What are the various ingredients that go into making a production a success?

Plays of any genre are all about teamwork; each and every production translates into a lot of involvement backstage and perfect coordination of various talents. Lighting, make up, stage settings; costumes, music, acting and direction are all various aspects, which go into making a successful dramatic venture.

What kind of response do your stage plays generate?

Well, theatre offers people a refreshing change from the mindless entertainment we are exposed to, and usually we have quite encouraging responses from discerning audiences. Till date, I have been largely involved in productions where there is a youthful presence, and thus our superiors are constantly looking to motivate us into doing better work, giving us positive feedback

Would you tell us something about the most challenging and memorable roles you have come across till date?

I have done roles spanning a lot of different categories ranging from social, mythological to historical. In my most recent role, I was called upon to perform a Yakshagana in 'Bhagavadajjukiya'. This was really challenging because of the heavy costumes, intricate steps and dialogues involved. I won the overall best actress award at the state level for this. Other memorable roles were that of the female lead in ' Bhamati', which again helped me bag the overall best actress award at the state level. Gnanabharathi, which conducts an intercollegiate fest every year, constitutes this award.

You have also been involved in quite a few telefilms and serials. How has this experience contributed to your growth as an actress?

My first brush with television took place when I acted in a teleplay directed by Geeta Ramanand, it was ' Nijagalina Rani'. Later I played the part of a village belle in a telefilm 'Kamala'. Initially, it took me some time to make the transition from stage to television because they are vastly different mediums; I was also part of T N Sitaram's long running serial 'Jwalamukhi'. I have also acted in quite a few TV serials by film director Nanjudegowda. Well, the whole TV experience has helped me expand my repertoire of skills.

Could you tell us more about the literary aspects of your association with theatre? How does your magazine help in keeping the spirit of theatre alive?

My father L Krishnappa is the editor of one of the few Kannada theatre magazines,' E masa nataka'. We felt a magazine was indispensable because it helps broaden our horizons. We are able to reach out to more people and create more awareness about our Kannada theatre culture. Noted artists such as Hasakru, Srinivas Raju, T N Sitaram, Prassana contribute to our publication. Our publication is reasonably priced at a yearly subscription of
Rs 50.

Who are the greats of Kannada theatre who come to mind immediately, and have influenced you on a personal level?

The major influences have been all the experienced people I have had the good fortune of interacting with, but notably my father L Krishnappa, and Geeta Ramanujam have been guiding influences.

What are the future productions you plan on staging in the days to come?

As far as future projects are concerned, Geeta Ramanujam's 'Dasa Purandara' is being performed in Udupi in the near future. I look forward to continue acting and entertaining people in the days to come.

As told to Preeti Prakash

For further details concerning subscription to the magazine,
' E masa nataka' do contact:

Shwetha Krishnappa
690/Q,12 th cross, 14th main,
J.P.Nagar 2nd phase, Bangalore-560078

Phone: 2659 0851

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