All the world is a stage. But what about this?

BANGALORE: It will not be an exaggeration to say that Gubbi Veeranna Rangamandira is a classic example of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) inefficiency and negligence. The theatre that stages Kannada plays is situated in Gandhinagar, one of the busiest areas in Bangalore. However, broken chairs and unhygienic environment give an impression of abandonment.There is no one to control people who misuse facilities such as the parking area and toilets. “We are spending extra money to keep the toilets clean,’’ says Malathi Sudhir, the proprietor of Karnataka Kala Sangha.Another startling fact is that the theatre is a dumping ground for debris — not  just for the people, but also the BBMP that has converted Rangamandira premises into a garbage collection point.One can see more than 10 plastic bins filled with garbage at the premises at any point of time. A group of luggards spending time in their own way is a salient feature of the premises. “We can’t afford to ask them to go out. They come from a nearby slum. We are trying our best to tell them not to misuse the premises,’’ rues Malathi. The pleas only fall on deaf ears.When you enter Rangamandira, broken chairs draw your attention. One has to think twice before resting their hands on the handles of these chairs while watching a performance by  the drama artistes. The condition of balcony is even worse. One can see a notice at the entrance indicating that the balcony is under repair. “The BBMP had floated a tender to undertake repair works more than a year ago. The contractor spent around `10 lakh on the repair of chairs and other works,’’ says R Vendan, executive engineer (Gandhinagar Division) Bruhat Bangalore Manahanagara Palike. But the question remains – if the contractor spent `10 lakh, how come broken chairs are a nuisance at Rangamandira? “The people who come to watch dramas have no discipline. They indulge in breaking chairs. I will instruct the officials concerned to take up repair work again,’’ assures Vendan. Meanwhile, S Nataraj, Corporator from Gandhinagar ward, has neither time to visit Rangamandira nor has any information about it.  “Renovation of Rangamandira was done before I got elected to the BBMP. I have no knowledge of the agreement between Malathi Sudhir and BBMP.  I will visit Rangamandira as early as possible and try to do something to keep the place clean,’’ says Nataraj.However, Dr Surendra, health officer of the BBMP says that garbage doesn’t come under his purview. “It is the duty of the environment officer of the BBMP to look into the garbage issue at Rangamandira,’’ says Dr Surendra.However, R Jagadeesh, environment officer, BBMP has said that he was not aware of the garbage issue. “I have not visited the spot. I will visit the place and direct the authorities concerned to take measures to keep its premises clean,’’ assures Jagadeesh.Sex workers prefer balconyThe balcony of the theatre is closed for the audience. Malathi Sudhir says that one of the reasons for the balcony being locked is the nuisance of sex workers. “I do not want to allow sex workers to misuse this place. So, I closed it,’’ says Malathi.