Panaji: The recently renovated Kala Academy, Goa’s flagship cultural institution, has once again come under public scrutiny after a ticketed performance was disrupted mid-show on Sunday evening.
A lighting malfunction interrupted the Marathi play Purush for approximately 15 minutes at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorium, prompting lead actors Sharad Ponkshe and Spruha Joshi to apologise to the audience during the unexpected pause.
The theatre group, which had travelled from Maharashtra, expressed visible frustration over the technical failure—especially as it occurred during a key moment in the production. Veteran Marathi actor Sharad Ponkshe later criticised the substandard quality of the sound and lighting systems, along with the general management of the venue.
The incident, widely circulated on social media, has reignited concerns over the effectiveness of the Kala Academy’s renovation and ongoing upkeep.
Following the show, Ponkshe spoke to the media, voicing his disappointment that the play’s carefully planned lighting effects failed to reach the audience as intended. He also pointed out the absence of a dedicated manager at the auditorium, calling it a serious lapse for such a prominent cultural venue. Labeling the situation as unfortunate, he appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to personally intervene and take steps to improve the institution’s infrastructure and administration.
