Yakshagana takes a hit, artistes suffer

By Ganesh Mavanji

Mangaluru: The ‘meaningless’ restrictions and weekend curfew are creating a lot of trouble for Yakshagana artistes who are unable to stage their shows, said the artistes during a protest organised against the decision to enforce the curfew , in Udupi.

They said they were unable to earn their livelihood in the current situation. Yakshagana artiste Chandrashekar Dharmasthala said there are about 28 Yakshagana troupes and more than 1,200 artistes are working with these troupes. ‘‘These restrictions are creating a lot of trouble for us as we are unable to organise shows’’ he lamented.

Sathish Pai, an artiste of the Mooru Mutthu drama troupe said restrictions imposed for three years have created a lot of problems. District official Sadashiva Prabhu who met the artistes said despite 7000 tests being conducted daily, only 100 were testing positive in Udupi.