International Theatre fest, Imphal begins at The Shrine
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 09 2014:
The parallel festival of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, International Theatre Festival of India was inaugurated today here at The Shrine Playhouse of Chorus Prefecture, Shamushang Uku, Kangchup Road.
The festival is the first International theatre festival in the State since the staging of Asian festival by the Chorus Repertory Theatre some 20 years back.
The festival, organised jointly by the NSD, New Delhi and Dept of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur, will go on till Jan 14 .
The inaugural programme of the theatre festival was graced by Chief Minister O Ibobi; Works and Transport Minister, Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and Vice-chairman of JNMDA, Prof N Tombi Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, O Ibobi said that although the State is tiny, it has excelled others in the field of art and culture.
Khamba Thoibi dance, Ras Lila, Lai Haraoba are a pride for the people of the State.
Saying that art form like drama has no boundary, the CM noted that the message of peaceful coexistence is conveyed through the art form.
The Bharat Rang Mahotsav was started in 1999 by the National School of Drama in its attempt to contribute to the growth of theatre across the country.
It has grown into an International event from being a national festival.
It has now hosted theatre companies from around the world and is now acknowledged as the largest theatre festival of Asia.
The International Theatre Festival was opened with a screening of an Israeli solo performance, 'The Woman Who Didn't Want to Come Down to Earth' which received standing ovation from the crowds.