Mangaluru: The deposed artistes of “Kateel 5th Yakshagana Mela” with support from Biruver Kudla threatened to stage protests against the actions of the convener of the troupe if their demands were not addressed by the end of May 2018.
Speaking to reporters, the Yakshagana artistes alleged that the convener of the troupe had transferred the chief artiste to another Mela all of a sudden. The imbalance created by the sudden transfer had upset the morale of the troupe. Many requests were made to revoke the transfer. However, soon the convener dismissed 10 experienced artistes from the troupe without credible reason.
The artistes further added that anyone with money could be a convener but the artistes needed to practice the form from an early age.
The artistes said that they had approached the convener and tendered unconditional apology and requested to reinstate them in any role within the Mela. Though the convener had initially neglected their requests, he had asked for two days to take the decision. Since then, there is no communication from the convener, which has enraged the dismissed artistes. It is only the love for the Kateel Mela that is propelling them to rejoin the group, they said.
They also alleged that the convener was not transparent in his financial transactions. Even though the troupe collects one of the highest fees, the members are paid pittance. They accused the owner of the troupe of exploiting the artistes for his monetary gains.
The artistes and Biruver Kudla said that if such practices continued, the whole Yakshagana Mela system would collapse. They demanded an impartial inquiry by the government department concerned into the workings of the troupe.
They gave the convener some time to reinstate the artistes for the new season that starts in November and to fulfill their demands. Otherwise, they said that the artistes would be forced to stage agitations and protests from end of May this year.
Member of Biruver Kudla Nithesh Marnad, Biruver Kudla Mahila Vibhaga President Vidya Rakesh, Mahabala Rai, Rakesh Rai and Kishore were present at the press meet.
