770414 - Letter to Temple Presidents and GBC’s from Sudama

From: Sudama

[Note: TAT = Thearter of the Absolute Truth]

To All Temple Presidents and GBC’s,

Please accept my most humble obeisances. This letter concerns all devotees interested in organizing theatrical or dance ensembles in their temple. Srila Prabhupada has requested that I take responsibility for training all men and women devotees who will be participating in stage productions. Here is what we have planned:

6 months in New York with TAT, in the Hare Krsna Center

6 months in Bombay with TAT, at Hare Krishna Land

A tour of Russia, Poland, West and East Europe (during this 1-year period) as a Krishna Conscious cultural exchange gesture.

After this training period, the devotees will return to their respective centers to organize their own performing arts projects. The only requirement for participating is that he or she must have some professional experience in their particular field: acting, dancing, music, stage technique, theatrical design, playwriting, etc…

After seeing the TAT perform in Bombay recently, Srila Prabhupada remarked, “All performing arts of this Society should come up to the standard you have established; it is first class. All centers desiring such programs should send their devotees to you for training.”

My intentions are to build a comprehensive theatrical and performing arts training program – not to build a large staff or troupe for exclusive engagements in New York and Bombay. In this way our artistic activities can expand all over ISKCON.

There are so many do’s and don’ts Srila Prabhupada has described to me, such a centralized training program realistically appears the most effective means of disseminating the information. Even though there will be a postponement of your local program for one year, the compensation will be receiving a fully trained devotee to direct the activities.

Also please note: The TAT will be available to perform at festivals and Rathayatras this summer any week except July 23-30, for the cost of air transportation and expenses. For further information on engaging the players, the dancers, or the entire ensemble, you may contact me by phone in New York (212) 765-8610.

Looking forward to hearing from you, I beg to remain,

Your servant,

Sudama Das Gosvami