PANAJI
Amid allegations of substandard theatre equipment including the sound system at Kala Academy, its Chairman Govind Gaude on Friday maintained that the theatre boasts the latest technology.
Nevertheless, he conceded that the current technicians require additional training to proficiently operate the updated sound system, statement vehemently challenged by artist Rajdeep Naik who has charged the institution with installing poor quality acoustic theatre equipment, citing issues with lighting and sound.
Speaking to The Goan after chairing a joint meeting of concerned engineers, Gaude denied claims made by Naik and added that while there may be teething problems until the technicians familiarise themselves with the new system, the equipment itself is not substandard.
“The sound system and the acoustics are interrelated… We have updated versions of both lighting and sound systems. There are no problems with the systems whatsoever,” he added.
Regarding the training of technicians, Gaude assured that those responsible for managing lighting, sound, and other equipment have received initial training. However, acknowledging the need for further instruction, he confirmed that they will be provided additional training, particularly for the sound system team, to enhance their operational proficiency.
So also, faculties of western and classical music, drama, and tiatr were called to Kala Academy to assess the sound system’s suitability for their respective performances.
The artist, on the other hand, has challenged Gaude to host a tiatr or drama in the presence of technicians and the public, to determine accountability. “Why is he blaming the technicians when the systems are at fault? The engineers have butchered the sound system completely… Not only the tiatrists but every artist faced this problem during their respective performances,” Naik said, speaking to The Goa. “I challenge the Chairman to hold a free performance for the audience in the presence of technicians to fix accountability.”
