Date:31/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/31/stories/2007053104670200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Rayalaseema art to the fore

Staff Reporter

Ongoing `shataroopa' in Hyderabad is a collage of art forms

Forty-five artistes from Anantapur performed recently

Performances on till June 8 at Ravindra Bharati auditorium

ANANTAPUR: As part of the `shataroopa' programme, staging of different performing arts, being held in Hyderabad from May 17 to June 8 by the Department of Cultural Affairs, a contingent of about 45 artistes from Anantapur district staged performances in several folk and classical art forms on May 28.

Audience applauded the performance of tribal, folk, classical dance and other art forms like mimicry, ventriloquism, magic and others in Ravindra Bharati auditorium, according to the officials of Information and Public Relations, who took the troupes of artistes to Hyderabad.

The artistes tried explain to the audience through the art forms that Rayalaseema meant not the blood-baying land due to factional feuds but was rich in art forms. Minister for Panchayat Raj J.C. Diwakar Reddy attended the performance and he felicitated the artistes at the end of the performance.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister had expressed concern over the waning patronage for arts and artistes. Art was not a creation of artistes but was a reflection of people's civilisation.