Calls for revival mark World Theatre Day celebration
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 27 2023: Manipur Cultural Council (MCC) chairman K Radhakumar has stressed the need for in depth discussion on reason behind the decreasing number of audience for proscenium theatre unlike Shumang Leela, which has a large audience base.

As chief guest of the World Theatre Day celebration organised by Theatre Centre, Manipur under the theme 'Reunite for performing arts and humanism' at Manipur Press Club, here, on Monday, Radhakumar pointed out that drama is a compo rient of literature and it needs to understand if theatrical performance can deliver the taste of the dramatic literature imagined by playwrights.

Gap between the dramatic literature of the writers and theatrical performance might be one of the reasons behind the decreasing number of theatre audience.

In such a situation, proper coordination between the playwright and the director is a must, he added.

On the other hand, modern age media like TV and cinema are also contributory factors to the falling number of theatre audience and as such, those in the field of theatre need to rethink if the experimental theatre popular in western countries are suitable with the culture, tradition of the state as well as the aspiration of the local audience.

Every theatre artiste needs to digest the culture, thoughts and audience moods, Radhakumar added.

Theatre Centre Manipur treasurer P Khogendra presided over the function while Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal di rector L Upendra attended as guest of honour of the celebration.

In connection with World Theatre Day, Theatre Art and Literature Afflux organised an Indo-Bangla International Seminar on the topic of 'The impact of art and literature as a catalyst for social change' at the rehearsal hall of Palem Panthou Cultural Trust in Langjing Achouba on Monday.

Speaking as chief guest of the event, Hiyanglam MLA Y Radheshyam lamented over theatre groups celebrating World Theatre Day separately.

He then stressed the need for uniting theatre enthusiasts, artistes and critics for observing the day jointly, adding that it will be more impactful and give more meaning to the celebration.

Theatre artists not only entertain their audience but also give many messages to the society.

Thus, concerted efforts are needed to preserve and promote this art form, he stressed.

Radheshyam then said that the government has been providing assistance to artistes including those in the theatre field.

In addition, the government has been discussing allocation of some amount in the state's budget for performing arts, he informed and as such, urged those involved in theatre to help in promotion of this art form.

Presided over by Palem Panthou Cultural Trust chairman, playwright and critic Budha Chingtham, the seminar was attended by Manipur Theatre Academy director S Beeren as guests of honour.

During the first session of the seminar, which was moderated by MU School of Humanities dean Prof N Aruna and by Department of Dance and Music assistant professor Dr M Thoiba Singh in the second session, many people presented their papers.

Meanwhile, the World Theatre Day was celebrated by Art and Culture Department at Maharaja Chandrakirti auditorium, Palace Compound, here, on Monday.

The celebration was attended by eminent theatre personality Ratan Thiyam as chief guest, Art and Culture commissioner M Joy Singh as president and Kalakshetra Manipur guru and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Sabitri Heisnam as guest of honour.

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