Journalism of Courage
Starved and famished,with a string of cancellation of programmes,that were quick to follow in succession for the past couple of weekends,the art scene in the city has recently suffered the worst setback of the season. What first started with a low turnout has now,with the cancellation of programmes,created a void in the cultural realm,which it seems,is here to stay in the days to come. At least the current rate of cancellation hints towards the fact that it will take some time for the art scene to thrive again. Last week saw the annulment of important programmes like Anna Bhau Sathe Mahotsav that was scheduled for August 11 at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch and the Shiamak Davar concert,scheduled for August 12 at Yeshwantrao Chavan Natyagruha.
The mangers at various cultural centres,who speculated over the cancellation of programmes all this while are now busy crossing events from the centres events roster. Baitadiya S S,manager Ganesh Kala Krida Manch has cancelled over 15 programmes in last week and the trend continues for the coming week as well. From the State Tranport Cooperative Banks programme scheduled for August 13 and Anna Bhau Mahotsav to major programmes,several of last weeks events were cancelled, he says. According to Batadiya,the centers expected cancellation of programmes as the low turnout was taking a toll on the various performances.
Another show that the music aficionados look forward to every year is the Elvis Presley Tribute by Nash. But like various other cultural programmes,the noose around its neck has tightened. Sponsors have decided to cancel the programme due to the fear of the epidemic. The event,scheduled for August 16 at High Spirits has now been pushed back by a couple of weeks. Already,the Epidemic Act has been invoked and hence,it’s better that we take necessary precautions for the artists as well as the audience, says Sandeep,event manager.
Saleel Kulkarni,singer and compere,cancelled two schedules of his programme Sandhirprakasht last week. I want my audiences to be safe; that’s why I took such a decision, Kulkarni says.
No show
* Anna Bhau Sathe
Mahotsav
* Infinity Events Shiv
Kumar Sharma concert
* Chankya Mandal
* The Elvis Tribute 2009
* Marathi Bana
* Shiamak Davars
concert
* Sandhiprakasht
