Neenasam Brought Theatre Education and Performances to Rural Karnataka

Founded in 1949 by theatre practitioner K.V. Subbanna and his friends, <b>Neenasam</b> is based in Heggodu village in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district. Its theatre school, launched in 1980, offers a one-year diploma covering acting, direction, stage design, lighting and costumes. Since 1985, Neenasam’s touring programme has taken new plays performed by theatre-school graduates across Karnataka, with hundreds of performances each year. Its annual culture camp in October hosts discussions on literature, cinema, politics, sociology and art, with thinkers from India and abroad. Neenasam also runs a film society to introduce world cinema to rural audiences.