Minister Dingo calls for promotion of proscenium theatre
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 04 2022:
Expressing deep concern over declining popularity of proscenium theatre after gaining immense popularity at a time, social welfare minister H Dingo has strongly called for preservation and promotion of the theatre form in the state after thorough discussion on its origin and ways to develop it.
Minister Dingo gave the clarion call at the opening ceremony of 53rd Short Play Competition for Creative Directors-2022, which is being organised by Theatre Centre Manipur in coordination with Manipur State Kala Akademi, at the auditorium of Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU), here, on Sunday.
The minister, who attended as chief guest of the function, said that there was a time when many theatre groups existed even in the locality and school and showcased different plays but such groups are extinct now.
However, a few theatre groups dedicated to theatre are putting their best efforts to save proscenium theatre, he noted while expressing concern over declining popularity of proscenium theatre, which plays important role in identifying Manipur to the world.
Regarding Shumang Leela being considered as a part of proscenium theatre, the minister said that this performing art form is very unique and not found anywhere in the world except in Manipur.
Proscenium theatres across the globe have only one dimension but Manipur's traditional Shumang Leela has four dimensions and it has audience from four different sides.
This gives Shumang Leela a special taste to audience and it has no dearth of audience even today, he added.
As there were also no shortage of audience for proscenium theatres in the state at one point of time accordingly those dedicated to theatre must find out reason for it after consulting with experts and chalk out plan for speedy revival, minister Dingo suggested and stressed the need for every section of the society to shoulder responsibility in preserving proscenium theatre.
While asserting that art and culture should shoulder big responsibility in identifying Manipur to the world and state's culture occupy a significant space in India art & culture platform, H Dingo said that presenting India's art & culture to the global platform would not be complete without Manipur's.The opening ceremony was also attended by Theatre Centre Manipur president Wareppa Naba and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA S Kebi.
According to Wareppa Naba, Theatre Centre Manipur was established in 1954 as an apex body for theatre groups and more than 150 theatre groups of the state are affiliated to the body.
However, government is yet to grant formal recognition to the apex body till date, he said and urged the government to do the needful.
Altogether 12 theatre groups will showcase their productions during the 53rd Short Play Competition for Creative Directors-2022 which will conclude on December 9 .