Guide to Kannada Theatre in Bengaluru - How to Start Watching Plays

Kannada theatre, or rangabhoomi, has a long and proud history, and it is very much alive in Bengaluru and Mysuru. Depending on the week, you might find a classic being restaged, a new script by a young group, a comedy, a musical play or a show for children. Yet many people who love films and live music have never watched a play. If that is you, this guide will help you take the first step.

A few words to know

• Ranga means stage, and mandira means a hall or temple, so a rangamandira is a theatre hall. You will see the word in the names of auditoriums across Karnataka.
• Rangabhoomi refers to the stage and the theatre world as a whole.
• Nataka means a play or drama.

Where plays are staged

Plays in Bengaluru and Mysuru are staged in dedicated theatres, larger auditoriums and smaller community spaces. Here are some of the venues you can explore on HappyTime Book:

• [Ranga Shankara](/venues/ranga-shankara), a well-known theatre in JP Nagar dedicated to plays.
• Ravindra Kalakshetra and ADA Rangamandira, well-known cultural venues in the city.
• Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Kalagrama and Seva Sadan, which also host cultural programmes.
• In Mysuru, [Rangayana](/venues/rangayana), a well-known repertory theatre, and Kalamandira.

Each venue page on HappyTime Book has a date-wise calendar, so you can see what is coming up. You can browse all of them on our venues page.

What kinds of plays to expect

• Classics of Kannada literature and theatre, restaged by different groups
• Contemporary plays about city life, family and society
• Comedies and political or social satire
• Kannada adaptations of Indian epics, folk tales and world drama
• Musical plays with live songs
• Children's theatre
• Plays in English, Hindi and other languages at some venues

You may also come across traditional forms such as Yakshagana, the colourful dance-drama from coastal Karnataka, when it is staged in the city.

How to find plays and get tickets

• Check the date-wise calendars on venue pages.
• Follow theatre groups and venues on social media, where many announce their upcoming shows.
• Look at listings on HappyTime Book. We are adding more shows as organisers join, so check back often.
• Book early for popular plays, as some shows fill up.
• Ticketing depends on the organiser. Some sell online and some at the venue counter, so read the listing carefully.

Before you go - practical tips

• Check the language. Most plays are performed in one language, though some mix languages. If your Kannada is basic, start with a play based on a story you already know, or a comedy or musical where much is conveyed through action and song.
• Read the synopsis. A quick read of the story helps a lot, especially for classics.
• Check the run time and age suitability. Listings or organisers can tell you both.
• Reach early. Some theatres do not allow entry once the play has begun, out of respect for the actors and the audience. Plan for traffic and parking.
• Carry a light shawl or jacket. Air-conditioned halls can feel cold.

Your first play - a simple plan

1. Pick a free evening and check the calendars of two or three venues.
2. Choose a comedy, a musical play or a story you already know.
3. Read the synopsis and check the language, run time and age guidance.
4. Book your tickets and invite a friend who enjoys a good story.
5. Reach early, find your seat and switch off your phone.
6. Afterwards, talk about what you liked over a cup of coffee. That conversation is half the fun.

Theatre etiquette - the simple rules

1. Be on time.
2. Switch your phone to silent and keep it away. The glow of a screen distracts everyone in a dark hall.
3. Do not take photos or videos during the play unless the group says it is allowed.
4. Avoid eating or rustling packets inside the hall.
5. Do not talk during the performance. Save your discussion for the interval or after the show.
6. If you bring children, choose a play meant for their age and sit near an aisle in case you need to step out.
7. Applaud at the end. If the cast meets the audience afterwards, tell them what you liked. Theatre artists value it.

Why it is worth it

Theatre is live. There are no retakes and no editing, and every show is a little different from the last. Actors react to the audience, and the audience feels part of the evening. Many people who try one good play find themselves going back again and again.

Buying tickets, bringing friends and talking about the plays you liked is also the simplest way to support local theatre groups and keep the tradition alive.

Find a play to watch

Start with our page on theatre and plays in Bengaluru, check the venue calendars and pick a play this month. And if watching makes you want to act, direct or work backstage, create a free profile at join HappyTime Book and look out for auditions.