Chennai: The Centre has given its nod to renovate the prestigious Koothambalam, the state-of-the-art auditorium at Kalakshetra, said eminent dancer and Kalakshetra Foundation board member Urmila Sathyanarayanan after a general body meeting on Monday.
A one-of-its-kind auditorium, the Koothamabalam was opened 30 years ago. Built on the lines of the koothambalams in Kerala, the Bharata Kalakshetra auditorium, as it is also called, with Mangalore tiles and wooden beams lends charm and beauty to Kalakshetra campus.
A perfect stage for dancers, the auditorium, designed according to the tenets of Natya Shastra, leaves the dancers, musicians and the discerning audience with a sense of exhilaration.
With changing times, the Kalakshetra Foundation wanted the traditional and enchanting Koothambalam to be upgraded with hi-tech acoustics and lighting facilities.
Speaking to DC, Urmila said, “The CAG, in its report, cited some procedural lapses in the renovation of the auditorium following which the work stopped. After Kalaksehtra director Priyadarsini Govind and board members clarified the queries, the Centre has asked us to refurbish the auditorium.”
As a dancer, Urmila is elated that the Central Government had realised the value of this piece of art and okayed the revival of this beautiful performing space.
“The Koothambalam will be opened after renovation in February or March next year. The revival is a proud moment for Kalakshetra and all dancers,” Urmila signs off.
