The rich cultural heritage of Karnataka, vibrantly showcased through its performing arts, has faced challenges over the past decade as younger generations are increasingly drawn to the tech industry. However, theatre remains a stronghold of cultural passion among Karnataka’s youth. Across the state, theatre clubs continue to nurture this art form, serving as vital talent pools for artists and technicians in cinema and television.

Founded in 1999, Rangasourabha emerged from the dreams of theatre enthusiasts at Bangalore’s VIJAYA COLLEGE (formerly BHS First Grade College). What began as a student group has flourished into a premier force in Kannada theatre. Today, many members of Rangasourabha have established themselves as actors, directors, technicians, and writers across theatre, television, and film. This includes acclaimed personalities like Rishab Shetty, a National Award-winning actor and director celebrated for his work in films like Kantara and Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, Pramod Shetty, a versatile actor known for roles in Kantara, Kirik Party, and Hero, and Vallabh Y S, a prominent cine artist. Many others who began their careers with Rangasourabha have gone on to excel as actors, directors, technicians, and scriptwriters in theatre, TV, and film.

Rangasourabha’s journey began with Adho Rakthi (1999), a tale of love and loss set in the kingdom of Neelapuri. Shatavi (2000) captivated audiences with its folk rhythms and exploration of destiny, while Maatruka (2001) delved into themes of waiting and survival in a world that values resilience over love. Ghasiram Kotwal (2002) earned major accolades, winning the Singanalluru Puttaswamayya 1st Best Play and Umeshrudra Overall 2nd Best College Award, along with Best Direction at the Bharath Yatra Kendra State Level Competitions. This production also received individual honors, including the Lokesh 1st Best Actor award for M G Naveen and the B V Nanjundaiyya Best Supporting Role award for Rishab Shetty.

Saavu Bantu Saavu (2003), inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal, explored mortality through a symbolic chess game with Death.

Madari Madayya (2004) won the Goruru Chennabasappa Best Folk Play award and Padmabhushana Dr. H. Narsimhaiyya Overall 3rd Best College, with Srivats G winning the Lokesh 1st Best Actor Award at the Bharath Yatra Kendra State Level Competitions.

Kakana Kote (2005), an adaptation of Masti Venkatesh Iyengar’s classic about the clash between tribal culture and oppression, won the Prayogaranga 2nd Best Play award, while Pramod Shetty received the Lokesh 1st Best Actor Award and Shreedhar Kumar won the B V Nanjundaiyya Best Supporting Role at the Bharath Yatra Kendra State Level Competitions.

Mysooru Mallige (2006), a tribute to Kannada poet K.S. Narasimha Swamy, enchanted audiences and earned the Gnanapeetha Overall Best College Award and Singanalluru Puttaswamayya 1st Best Play. This production featured stellar performances, with Bharath S D, who went on to become a notable poet, winning the B V Nanjundaiyya Best Supporting Role, Surabhi Vasishta, who later graduated from the prestigious Ninasam Theatre School in Heggodu, winning Padmashri Chindodi Leela 2nd Best Actress, and Sunil Kumar V, now one of Kannada theatre’s most acclaimed actors, winning the Lokesh 1st Best Actor award. Mysooru Mallige went on to complete over 50 successful shows over the years.

Shastra Parva (2007), a powerful retelling of Mahabharata themes, won the Kuvempu Best Play Award and the Umeshrudra Overall 2nd Best College Award at the Bharath Yatra Kendra State Level Competitions, with Vallabh Y S receiving the B V Nanjundaiyya Best Supporting Role. This production later won first place at the National Level Inter-University Competition in Rohtak, Haryana where Rangasourabha represented Bangalore University and Karnataka.

Gangavatharana (2009) celebrated the life and philosophical works of poet D.R. Bendre, blending lyrical poetry with vibrant stagecraft. It won the Umeshrudra Overall 2nd Best College Award at the Bharath Yatra Kendra State Level Competitions. Rakesh won the B V Nanjundaiyya Best Supporting Role for his portrayal of Bendre, and Surabhi won the Padmashri Chindodi Leela 1st Best Actress award. Gangavatharana has completed over 80 performances, with the latest show as recent as Sep 2024.

In the years that followed, Rangasourabha continued its tradition of excellence. Opera House (2012), an anthology of Jayanth Kaikini’s stories, explored urban relationships was directed by Bharath S D, while Male Nilluvavaregu (2013), directed by Pramod Shetty, offered a thrilling exploration of a mock trial and the complexities of human nature. Nam Kampani (2014) humorously critiqued the struggles of a traditional theatre company, and Mavinagudi Colony (2016) presented the nostalgia and cultural loss brought on by urban development.

Most recently, Theru (2022), directed by Naveen M G, based on Raghavendra Patil’s award-winning novel, portrayed the evolution of societal norms across generations, questioning the persistence and cost of ritual and tradition.

As Rangasourabha celebrates 25 years of theatre excellence, the spirit of unity, mutual respect, and enduring friendship binds its members, many of whom have shared this journey for over two decades.

And so, the show goes on…