Ranga Shankara to celebrate Ugadi with Kathaa Kaala

Every year, Ranga Shankara marks Ugadi with a special event called ‘Ranga Yugadi’, that celebrates the literary richness of Karnataka. As Ugadi symbolises new beginnings and the harvest festival, the theater space aims to harvest the region’s literary wealth by curating performances and readings that showcase powerful storytelling. Ranga Yugadi has been celebrated by the space for more than a decade now, and this tradition continues in 2025 with a programme called Kathaa Kaala, on April 6.  

While Ugadi celebrations just over, for those who are in the mood to continue the spirit of the festival with yummy food and literature, theatre space Ranga Shankara, J.P. Nagar, would be the right choice this weekend.

Every year, Ranga Shankara marks Ugadi with a special event called ‘Ranga Yugadi’, that celebrates the literary richness of Karnataka. As Ugadi symbolises new beginnings and the harvest festival, the theater space aims to harvest the region’s literary wealth by curating performances and readings that showcase powerful storytelling. Ranga Yugadi has been celebrated by the space for more than a decade now, and this tradition continues in 2025 with a programme called Kathaa Kaala, on April 6.  

The concept and presentation of Kathaa Kaala has been curated by writer and director S. Surendranath. Speaking to The Hindu, he said “Ranga Yugadi is a celebration, a festival of literature and theatre, all coming together in joy, along with friends, lively conversations, and delicious food. This Ranga Shankara’s way of celebrating Kannada literature. Many friends from the Kannada theatre fraternity have joined hands with Ranga Shankara for this celebration. Three plays, readings of nine stories, and a storytelling session. All in all, it will be a grand Ugadi celebration.” 

The event will host a day-long immersion into stories, featuring plays based on literary works, short story readings, and a special reading of a seminal Kannada novel. According to a release by the space, this year’s Kathaa Kaala is structured into three segments - Plays adapted from stories, readings of short stories, and a reading of Devanur Mahadeva’s iconic novel Kusumabale. The event will also bring together renowned writers, directors, and performers, ensuring a compelling mix of theater and literature.  

The daylong event begins at 11 a.m. with Naanu Polisanaagidde, a play based on Basavaraja Kattimani’s novel. Directed by Sandeep Pai S., the performance is presented by the theatre troupe Rangasiri. Kattimani’s works are known for their deep social insights, and this adaptation promises to bring his narrative alive on stage. At 12 p.m., Kathegalu Odu will feature readings of short stories by a lineup of readers, including popular actor Sihi Kahi Chandru, H.K. Shwetha Rani, M.S. Vidya, Ganesh Shenoy, Berty Olivera, Sundar Veena, Nayana Sooda, Kusuma Ayarahalli, and Dadapeer Jaiman.   

At 3.30 p.m., Yeradu Kathegalu, directed by Manjunath L. Badiger and performed by Abhinaya Taranga, a play based on stories by acclaimed writers Veena Shanteshwara and Vaidehi, will be presented. At 5 p.m., Katha Vaachana will present a reading of Kusumabale, a celebrated novel by Devanur Mahadeva. The reading will be performed by A.M. Shivaswamy. The final theatrical performance of the day is Mattobba Maayi at 7.30 p.m., based on a story by Raghavendra Patil. Directed by Mahadeva Hadapada, the play is performed by Aata-Maata, Dharwad.  

Apart from the literally events throughout the day, audience and visitors to Ranga Shankara can delight in some special sweet, sour and bitter Ugadi dishes like mavinkayi chitrana, nellikayi mosranna, karbuja panaka, aam panna, nuchinunde and more at Anju’s Cafe within the theatre space.