Ranga Shankara’s Theatre & Arts Appreciation Course 2008
31 Oct to 2 Nov AND 7 Nov to 9 Nov
Anchored by Sadanand Menon
Anchor’s Note
INTERROGATING THE ARTS
The idea of this year’s programme is not so much ‘art appreciation’ as an ‘interrogation of the arts’.

How does the universe of the arts intersect our lives? How do we comprehend its special energy?

From being a plaything of the elites or of market forces, does it constitute an autonomous agency, whose insights can transform our lives?

Is it possible to conceptualise art and life as undifferentiated so that life itself becomes an extended artistic assertion?

How do artists conceptualise their work and what are the inspirations that inform their creative productions?

What is the special place that the arts and artists occupy in our consiousness and our awareness of life and society?

It is important to see the contiguity of diverse artistic expressions to understand the synergy and flow of a common force between distinct expressive media in the arts.

Keeping in mind the overall theme of the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival of ‘Company Theatre’, the ‘art appreciation’ package has been put together with the idea of getting an insight into how a certain kind of theatrical expression in the early twentieth century helped lay the foundations for the Bombay/ Bollywood cinema and a certain ‘tradition’ of musical concert format, and the construction of a distinct ‘popular’ visual lexicon.

Beyond that, it will have intimate moments when artists and analysts share their formation and their insight with the participants.

Most resource persons/presenters have been requested to trace a personal journey to facilitate the possibility of the participants entering their life and practice in a creative way and getting an exposure to concepts in arts and art history without tears.

The six days will include, besides seeing three plays, a chance to get face-to-face with a range of distinguished personalities, as the schedule of the programme will make self-evident.

Here’s hoping the participants will bring as much to the six days as they will take from it.

Sadanand Menon
Read the rest of this entry »

This Thursday, October 30^th 2008, we get a chance to see the critically acclaimed “Spirit of Marathon”. A special screening only for RFL runners.

This is the first time RFL is screening a running related movie – we want to see how interested the runners are for other running related gatherings which doesn’t involve running.

Here is a write up about the movie –

“Spirit of the Marathon” is the first ever feature-length film to capture the essence and drama of the unique spectacle of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on 4 continents, Spirit of the Marathon brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non runners alike”

www.marathonmovie.com/

Reviews

http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/08/08/movies/08spir.html

The venue –

Bias Communication Pvt. Ltd. & The Ugly Duckling restaurant

5^th floor Sona towers,

71, Millers road,

Bangalore – 560052

Directions to the venue –

Reach the fag end of Cunnigham road (Chandrika hotel junction) and take a left turn onto Millers road.

The 4^th building on your left is Sona towers, come to the 5^th floor.

Click here for a map.

Date &Time –

Thursday, October 30^th

7:00 PM

The plan –

Watch movie at 7:30PM and have pasta dinner after that. The movie is roughly 2 hours long.

The cost for the evening per person is

RFL Members – 400/-

Non – members – 450/-

We have 90 seats for the movie, which will be taken in a first come and first serve basis.

So quickly mail in at RFL@thefullerlife.com to book your spot.

We will also be giving out KTM certificates and t-shirts.

Update:
Wow Bangalore, what a great response to our first Ignite!!! So many of you have expressed interest, we’re thrilled, excited and pleasantly surprised to be hosting what promises to be an exciting evening. We only have room for 80 so please get there early to make sure you have a seat.

We have a fantastic line up of speakers… a huge thanks to those that volunteered to speak and share their passions. Here’s the lineup.

6:30 PM Doors open

7:30 PM – 7:50 PM Keynote: A Career in Software – Satty Bhens, Director of Application Development, McKinsey & Company

7:50 PM – 9:00PM Lighting talks:

Art of – Building a Technology Team – Cyril Thankappam
Clean and Green – Roopa Sankaran
Survive a bicycle commute in Bangalore – Rohan Kini
The future of User Interfaces – Shreyas Srinivasan
World May End Tonight – Siuv Palani
Whisky – Mukta Darera
BeleniX – Moinak Ghosh
Collaborative Enterprises – Enterprises 2.0 and Beyond – Dinesh Tantri
Desi Innovation – Chethan Manikantan
Biz Quizzing: Gyan in 300 seconds! – Shubham Roy
Community Lessons – Abhilash Ravishankar
Weekend – Rupa Patil

9:00PM – 10:30 PM Mingle and Dinner

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Let’s Ignite Bangalore!

Ignite Bangalore

11/13/2008
by Ignite Event

If you guys missed watching Chandrayaan launch today you missed a lot. I have the commentary of the launch with video here for you to have a look and cherish.

Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘08
Highlights:

• Between 31 Oct and 9 Nov
• Ten days of Theatre extravaganza paying tribute to the glorious tradition of Company Theatre
• Featuring four top-line plays from across the country and two commissioned plays
• Two plays Jagajyoti Basaveshwara and Sadarame specially commissioned by Ranga Shankara (in association with Vodafone)
• Two shows everyday: 11.00 am (on 31 Oct)/2.00 PM (1 & 2 Nov; 7-9 Nov) and 7.30 PM
• The journey of Kannada Sangeet Natak over the last 70 years will be presented through its songs
• An evening of powerful solo performances by the greats of Company era, R.Nagarathnamma, Master Hirannaiah and Sarita Joshi
• Second edition of the Theatre & Arts Appreciation Course 2008
• Film Screenings – films from India and abroad on Company Nataka
• Walk Down Memory Lane featuring exhibitions of rare archival photos from the Company Era

Arundhati Nag, Creative Director of Ranga Shankara and K. Sankara Narayanan, CEO Vodafone Essar South Ltd., along with Girish Karnad, Playwright and Chairperson of the Sanket Trust today announced the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ’08. The ten-day theatre extravaganza between 31 Oct and 09 Nov will celebrate the Golden Period of Indian Theatre that spanned over a century.

This year the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival (in association with Vodafone) will pay tribute to the Company Theatre, which dominated the Indian stage in the early part of the 20th century. Company Theatre, which celebrated theatricality and was best known for its spectacular quality, emerged as the country’s first modern commercial theatre and created what was perhaps the largest ticket-buying audience in Indian stage history. This theatrical style was greatly influenced by Parsi theatre, Marathi Sangeet Natak and several local performance traditions.
Ranga Shankara (in association with Vodafone) proudly announces two commissioned plays at this year’s Festival, Jagajyoti Basaveshwara and Sadarame. The doyen of Company Nataka, Sri. Yenagi Balappa will return to the stage as Haralayya in our revival of Jagajyoti Basaveshwara. His son Yenagi Nataraj will direct the play, whose cast includes Prakash Garud of Garuda Sadasivarao’s Dattatreya Sangita Nataka Mandali.
B. Jayashree will direct her grandfather Gubbi Veeranna’s successful production Sadarame and will herself don the role of Kalla, synonymous with Veeranna, the single-most famous figure in Company Theatre.
The Festival opens with Theatre and Television Associates (New Delhi) performing Amal Allana’s “Nati Binodini” (in Hindi), which has been praised for its exquisitely devised use of five female actors to represent the protagonist Binodini, the multiplicity enhancing the pace of the play and its visual interest.
Theatre Academy, Pune will present Satish Alekar’s “Begum Barve,” a powerfully haunting play, in which dreams and fantasy inevitably turn into nightmares while Bharat Natya Samshodhan Mandir’s production “Katiaar Kaaljaat Ghusli” musically narrates the rivalry between two classical music gharanas.
Ranga Shankara is delighted to present to Bangalore audiences the magic of Surabhi Company from Andhra Pradesh (established in 1885) with their acclaimed mythological, “Maya Bazaar” known for its spectacular special effects on stage including the descent of Narada on Earth and flying ladoos that land in the mouth of the hungry Ghatodgaja!
The Journey of Kannada Sangeet Natak through its Music will narrate the history of 70 years of the Kannada theatre through its music. Conceptualised and directed by Y.K. Muddukrishna, the musical will feature singers from the Company tradition with music by the veteran R. Paramasivaiah.

Three doyens of the Company era will return to the stage at this year’s festival. R.Nagarathnamma, Master Hirannaiah and Sarita Joshi present an evening of powerful solo performances from their heydays.

Fest ‘08 will mark the second edition of a very special Ancillary Program, Ranga Shankara’s Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course, spearheaded this year by the renowned culture critic Sadanand Menon. Spread over six days during Fest ‘08, the Course will examine and discuss theatre, cinema, dance, photography and music through lectures, film screenings, plays, as well as interaction with directors and actors.

As part of its continuing efforts to make photography an integral part of theatre, Ranga Shankara is mounting a visual narrative of the Golden Period of Indian Theatre with rare archival photographs of Company Nataka in Karnataka, Sangeet Natak in Maharashtra, Parsi Theatre and Bengal Theatre.

A series of films will showcase public and travelling theatre from across the country and the world.

Tickets: At Ranga Shankara and on www.bookmyshow.com.

31 October- 2 November 2008 & 7-9 November 2008 (Six days) Facilitated by Sadanand Menon

The Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘08 will include the second edition of its very successful Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course, designed on the lines of the well-known Culture Course at Neenasam, Heggodu.

The Course, launched at the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘07, provides a unique opportunity to learn the essence of theatre and arts appreciation by developing new ways “seeing and listening”. Last year’s course was a resounding success, with participants from various walks of life – from students to professors, software professionals to bankers – participating enthusiastically in the highly interactive sessions. The likes of Satyadev Dubey, Girish Karnad, UR Anantamurthy, Ratan Thiyam, KV Akshara and Prakash Belwadi spent time with the participants discussing their craft.

Renowned culture critic Sadanand Menon will spearhead the Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course ‘08. A well-known writer on critical issues of politics and culture, Sadanand Menon is also a photographer and stage light designer. He has served as the Arts Editor for The Economic Times.

The Course will examine and discuss theatre, cinema, dance, photography and music over six days (spread over two weekends during Rs Fest ‘08) through lectures, film screenings, plays, as well as interaction with directors and actors. The Course will thus look at, and analyse the formal structures of various works of art as well as consider them in the context of the historical period and cultural framework in which they were produced.

The course fee is Rs. 2000 (for six days; the fee includes lectures, film screenings and tickets to plays). A discount of Rs.1000 is being offered to students.

Application available at Ranga Shankara. Please visit the theatre, call on 26493982 or write to us on rsfest08@gmail.com Last date for registration is 20 October 2008.

Details of the Course

Dates of the Course
(6 days) 31 Oct to 2 Nov AND 7 Nov – 9 Nov (9.30 am – 6.00 pm on all days)
Course Fee Rs. 2000; Student discount of Rs. 1000 offered.
Venue Will be in and around Ranga Shankara; Will be communicated later
Medium of instruction English
Last day for applying 20 October 2008
Mode of application Please send your resume to rsfest08@gmail.com. Ranga Shankara will get in touch with you to confirm your registration.
Registrations are also open at Ranga Shankara (36/2, 8th Cross, JP Nagar II Phase, Bangalore 78; from 9.30 am – 6.00 pm, Tuesday-Sunday) till 20 October 2008
Contact Ranga Shankara office, 26493982

KARNATAKA, One state, One Language, Land of Sandalwood & Kasturi. On Saturday, November 1st, 2008, we are celebrating the formation of this beautiful & majestic state in a unique way. Entire Karnataka will be in a joyous mood on this government holiday.

We at Rajyotsava Ota humbly request all the people of Karnataka to come out & run for their state, on her birthday. This run will be one of its kind ever organized. People from across the state will converge to 5 cities of Karnataka – Bangalore, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Bellary & Hubli- Dharwad – to take part in this run simultaneously. This spectacular event will be watched & witnessed by the entire nation and the world.

Rajyotasava Ota’s objective is to spread health & wellness by encouraging the masses to adopt running. Rajyotsava Ota is recognized & supported by Government of Karnataka and Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS, Govt of Karnataka). Rajyotsava Ota will adopt every year to 10 outstanding athletes identified by Department of Youth Services & Sports (DYSS, Govt of Karnataka), to train and equip them to compete globally.

Through this RUN, we will also promote Karnataka’s tier II cities like Shimoga, Chitradurga, Bellary, Hubli-Dharwad to the global market.

This Run is for you, the residents of Karnataka, the people from all walks of life. So, let us come together to thank our mother land, Karnataka and tell the world the importance of Rajyotsava Day. It’s simple & affordable. Also there are awards & cash prizesto be won.

More at http://www.rajyotsavaota.com/

Meta-Culture Dialogics announces its 4-day professional course on mediation

*What is Mediation?*

* Mediation is a dispute resolution process where neutral third
parties bring the disputants to the table so they can engage with
each other in a constructive manner.
* Mediation encourages joint problem-solving and the Mediator
facilitates agreement between the parties
* The mediator, vitally, helps re-build relationships between the
parties.
* Mediation is a win-win approach

*The course will help you understand:*

* Why people in disputes do not listen to each other
* How people in disputes move to extreme positions, making it
further difficult for them to solve problems
* Why the conversation often becomes hostile
* The importance of people in disputes arriving at their own settlement
* The role of a neutral third party
* Foundational theories of mediation and conflict management

*You will learn how to:*

* Recognize disputes between two people**
* Address disputes as a neutral third party**
* Apply mediation theories and methods**
* Communicate better and enhance your listening skills**
* Help others resolve their own disputes**
* Empower others to reach amicable settlement**

*Venue: *Indian Social Institute, No.24, Benson Road, Benson
Town, Bangalore — 560 046

*Duration: *4 days (36 hours)

*Dates: *Thursday, 13th to Sunday, 16^th , November 2008

*Timings: *8.00am to 6.00pm

*Fees (inclusive of materials, lunch for 4 days and delivery fees)*
Adults: Rs.8,000**
Students: Rs.6,000 (Full-time students of recognized educational institutions. Required to produce ID cards at the venue)

For any further information please contact Namita or Kaori at 080 41524785, 4117 2421, 4175 9134 or email dialogics@meta-culture.org

*Seats are limited. Please hurry!!*

–
Kaori Suzuki
Meta-Culture Dialogics
No.12, 2nd Floor, Lazar Layout
Frazer Town, Bangalore – 560 005, India
Ph: +91 80 4152 4785 / 4117 2421
Cell: +91 9916665017
Email: dialogics@meta-culture.org

Meta-Culture Dialogics announces its 4th community dialogue session at a new venue
Bengaluru Speaks: an evening of uncommon conversation
This month’s theme: Violence in Urban India – Why?
Date: Friday, October 24th
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Venue (new location): Ashirvad, 30 St. Mark’s Road, across from the State Bank of India

Last month’s Dialogue on /Violence in Urban India/ was groundbreaking.
Participants were challenged to reflect on how communal violence and terrorism impacts their lives. Meta-Culture’s Conflict Resolution professionals facilitated the discussion, posing questions and ensuring certain ground rules.

Because of the response and the wealth of issues uncovered in last month’s Dialogue, we at Meta-Culture felt we’d barely scratched the surface of a topic which is becoming increasingly relevant to the lives of everyday Indians in Bangalore and beyond. Public violence — whether it be communal violence or terrorism — demands a lot of public deliberation. So we decided we’d talk about it again, and this time go even deeper.

*This month, MCD will challenge participants to explore the topic:
/”Violence in Urban India — Why?”/*

Participants will explore in greater depth the question of /why/ violence happens. What and who causes violence? What motivates someone to commit acts of violence? Is violence ever justified? What is the media’s role in creating conditions for violence? What is /our own /role in allowing violence to happen?

*All are welcome. Invite your neighbors, colleagues and friends.*

Subsequent */Bengaluru Speaks /*will take place on the 4^th Friday of each month, 7-9:30pm. The December session will take place on the 3^rd Friday, December 19^th .

For more information, please contact Kaori Tel:080 4152 4785 / 4117 2421 / 4175 9134 or email at dialogics@meta-culture.org

**
–
Kaori Suzuki
Meta-Culture Dialogics
No.12, 2nd Floor, Lazar Layout
Frazer Town, Bangalore – 560 005, India
Ph: +91 80 4152 4785 / 4117 2421
Cell: +91 9916665017
Email: dialogics@meta-culture.org

We will hold several quizzes on Sunday, 2 November 2008, at the Sevasadan Auditorium, off 15th Cross, Malleswaram (Near Malleswaram Ladies Assn. College).

At 1000hrs
Solus Rex Semifinal III
Topic: 20th Century Art Movements
Harish Rao, Rishabh B, Manu Sudhakar, Rishabh G and Dharmendra

Solus Rex Semifinal IV
Topic: 20th Century Autobiographies
Ochintya Sharma, Mitesh Agarwal, Kesavan, Dibyo and Badri

Quizmasters: Kiran Vijayakumar and Arul Mani

EVENT II
Crossovers
A quiz in the History of Ideas. Questions drawn from the journeys made by ideas across the sciences, history, philosophy, popular culture and the arts.

Prelims: 1130hrs
Finals: 1230hrs
Entry Fee; Rs. 50/-
Open to teams of two members

QMs: Cheriyan Alexander & Arul Mani
Prizes: Rs. 2000/-, Rs.1500, and Rs. 1000/-

EVENT III
The Ganesh Nayak Open Quiz

Open to all
Teams of 4
Entry Fee: Rs. 50/-
Prelims: 1500hrs
Finals: 1600hrs
Prizes for all finalists

QMs: Dibyendu Das and Vinay Das
For more details, call 97312-14519 or mail kqaquizzes@gmail.com