Exposure of children to theatre for unlocking creativity underlined
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 11 2018: Stressing on the need for building capacity of children of the State in the field of theatre, theatre critic and playwright Budha Chingtham noted that exposure of children to theatre would unlock creativity potential of the children.

He was adressing the closing function of a 45-day long Children Theatre Workshop held at Manipur Dramatic Hall (MDU) hall which was organised by noted theatre artist and playwright Warepa Naba as a special project on children's theatre under Ministry of Culture.

"Pebet" (Lousihingi Mama) play was showcased as part of the closing function of the workshop wherein 12 child artists participated.

Presiding ove the function, Budha Chingtham who is also a member of EZCC Kolkata He observed that if the creativity potential of children is exploited, they can excel in every field/profession they chose at later stage of life.

Exposure of children to theatre for unlocking creativity underlined

Decrying the State Government's lackadaisical attitude towards the promotion of arts and artistes in the State, he asked whether there were any recognition given to any world class artistes of the State.

He pointed out that Tourism Department of Bhopal borne the expense of noted theatre artist Ratan Thiyam for several days when he was undergoing treatment at a hospital in the city recently while the State Government cannot do anything artists like Ratan Thiyam.

Highlighting the need for forming an apex body of the theatre artistes in the State, he said that process for forming for such an apex body is in the pipeline.

Speaking as chief guest at the function, Kshetri Jugindro, theatre director and member of NEZCC, Dimapur termed theatre being an influential art form as one of the best platforms for building personality development of children.

He said that children are only made to confine to an unhealthy form of study manner on account of seeking tuition classes which has become a trend nowadays.

However, in metro cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, parents send their children for theatre course whenever their children have vacation holidays, he said.

He expressed desire to incorporate separate classes for theatres in schools in the State.

He added that there are scopes for inclusion of theatre, music, visual arts and dance under the provisions of RMSA.

Dr L Gojen, theatre director and president of Children Cultural Centre, Manipur attended the occasion as special guest.