Kala Academy Faces Backlash Over Technical Glitch During Marathi Play Performance

Panaji: The Kala Academy is once again under fire from the opposition and artistes following a technical glitch during a performance of the critically acclaimed Marathi play, ‘Purush’. The play, starring Sharad Ponkshe, was halted midway due to a malfunction with the stage lighting, prompting Ponkshe to voice his disappointment.
“Goan artistes have repeatedly raised concerns about faulty infrastructure after the academy’s refurbishment, but their voices seem to fall on deaf ears,” opposition leader Yuri Alemao said on the micro-blogging site, X.
“Given the situation, it is crucial for chief minister Pramod Sawant to take corrective measures, especially now that renowned actor Sharad Ponkshe has expressed disappointment over the snags. This is a shame for this land of art and theatre. Is govt drafting the death certificate of the iconic Kala Academy?” he wrote.
Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai questioned whether govt would take any corrective measures or ignore Ponkshe’s observations. “Ponkshe exposing Kala Academy mismanagement — can we expect govt to fix blame and take action, or will Ponkshe’s observations be ignored like the oft-repeated similar observations of Goemkar tiatrists and activists?” he said.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Cecille Rodrigues said the poor experience faced by Maharashtra-based artistes would likely tarnish the state’s reputation as a cultural destination.
Revolutionary Goans chief Manoj Parab described the incident as a “huge embarrassment” for Goa and called for an investigation into how the funds allocated for the renovation were spent. “What happened during the Marathi play is a blot on the identity, culture, and tourism of Goa,” he added.
Theatre artiste Rajdeep Naik said it is yet again proved that the Kala Academy has not been renovated up to the mark. “The cry of Goan artistes fell on deaf ears, but now people from other states are also voicing the same concerns. Are we waiting for international artistes to complain too or should God himself provide testimony?
AAP Goa president Amit Palekar said, “I am surprised that (art and culture minister) Govind Gaude, who is a former artiste himself, does not take any responsibility for this, nor does the chief minister. There should be an investigation on this and an FIR must be registered.”