Ground work needed to promote theatre: Shyamdhani
Theatre plays an important role in social reformation & education: Uttam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 27 2022: Panthoibi Natya Mandir, Imphal observed the World Theatre Day at its mandap located at Yumnam Leikai on Sunday.

Manipur Dramatic Union director Hijam Shyamdhani and Critics Forum Manipur Dr L Gojendro attended the event as chief guest and president respectively while Manipur University EMMRC former rector Dr N Premchand and Manipur Cultural University assistant professor Dr Makhonmani were present as guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Shyamdhani maintained that there is no actual ground work for promoting theatre though many emphasise on the need for the same.

One cannot say how much the government is doing to promote theatre.

It will need a proper policy to promote the art form, he said.

The World Theatre Day observance began in the state from early 60s and Panthoibi Natya Mandir has been commemorating the day since 1979.It shows the love for theatre.

Unfortunately, they could not organise the observance in the last two years due to Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

Panthoibi Natya Maridir secretary Munindro said that the organisation has been observing the day since 1979 under the theme 'Culture for peace'.

It is good to see other organisations joining in observing the day, he said.

Manipur Theatre Group also observed 'World Theatre Day' at Manipur Press Club here on Sunday.

Organised under the theme 'Theatre, a culture of peace', the observance was attended by Theatre Centre, Manipur secretary Khoisnam Ranbir as president and Social Welfare Department director Ngangom Uttam as chief guest, while socio-reformer Kongjengbam Dilip and BSEM chairman Akham Joykumar were present as guests of honour.

In his address, Ngangom Uttam stated that theatre cannot be considered as a simple festival, as not only it is visually appealing but also serves as a social reformation tool and helps in educating the society and leading to the right direction.

He then expressed firm belief that that this art form could help in maintaining peace and tranquillity.

As part of the observance, Manipur Theatre Academy, Wangoi director Sarungbam Biren was presented with the Konjengbam Dilip Life Time Achievement Award.

'World Theatre Day' was also observed by Theatre Arts and Literature Afflux, a constituent unit of Palem Panthou Cultural Trust at MDU auditorium, Yaiskul Police Lane on Sunday.

Presided over by Trust chairman and playwright/critic Budha Chingtham, the observance was also attended by ICCR-North East Region, Shillong regional director Ningthoujam Manisana as chief guest and Banian Repertory Theatre (BRT) chairman Meghachandra Kongbam as guest of honour.

During the event, a performance based on the poem, 'Song of War cage bird' was presented.

Later, Palem Panthou Cultural Trust managing trustee Dr Salam Shantibala presented eminent theatre critic Budha Chingtham with 'Salam Ibemcha, Salam Irabot Ningsing Mana' (award), dedicated in the name of her parents.

A two-day seminar on 'Theatre for All - Peace Building and Cultural Event' was also inaugurated as part of the observance.

Meanwhile, BRT also observed the day at its Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal complex on Sunday.

The observance, which was held on the theme 'Culture A Culture of Peace', was attended by BRT director Ksh Phajaton, chairman Meghachandra Kongbam and senior artiste Ksh Rameshwor as president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

In his speech, Meghachandra urged theatre artistes to take upon the responsibility of a role model and educator, and help in bringing peace in this restless society.

Comment