Udupi: The ‘Makkala Natakotsava’ to be held in Udupi on Dec 29 and 30 will see the participation of more than 250 high school students from 11 institutions staging 11 dramas. Students will present dramas such as ‘Pushpa Rani’, ‘Kadina Pakshi Pyatege Banthu’, ‘Alilu Mariya Horalu Seve’, ‘Katthale Nagara Thaleketta Raja’, and ‘End Illada Band Avathara’, among others, at Nutana Ravindra Mantapa, MGM College.Addressing a press conference on Friday, Rangabhoomi Udupi general secretary Pradeep Chandra Kuthpady said that two dramas by Neenasam Troupe – ‘Hrudayada Theerpu’ and ‘Avatharanam Bhranthalayam’—will also be staged at Infosys Foundation Yakshagana Development, Training and Research Centre Building, on Dec 31 and Jan 1.He said that students from 12 schools took part in the Makkala Natakotsava since its launch last year. Efforts were made to increase the number of participating schools, but several reasons, including heavy rains and academic pressure, hindered the initiative. Meanwhile, teachers were also given additional responsibility to participate in the social and educational survey, he said.“Students were trained in theatre and they are now confident in presenting shows. As a result of regular practice, they acquired new skills and personality development to stage dramas. Parents should encourage children to participate in extracurricular activities,” he said, adding that the academic performance of students who staged dramas last year improved significantly.Rangabhoomi president Tallur Shivaram Shetty and vice-president Bhaskar Rao Kidiyoor were present.
