JNMDA Director bats for a dedicated drama academy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 05 2024: The State Government may establish a dedicated academy to promote drama and its art form, said Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) Director, Pukhrambam Bilash today.

He said this at the JNMDA premises at Imphal where a play titled "Mamal" (Price) produced by Raag Tarang Mandal (RTM) was performed.

The play was showcased under the aegis of the Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS) of the Centre's Ministry of Culture.

Speaking at the event as chief guest, P Bilash said the pace of development of theatre-drama was swift before COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, many pioneers and Gurus in the field have aged and the development of theatre-drama has slowed down.

Government's intervention has become a must to promote the art form, he said.

Theatre-drama is an integral part of Manipuri culture and its development is collective responsibility of the Manipuri society, he said, adding that the State needs a dedicated academy to promote theatre art.

Hanjabam Shatananda, director of "Mamal" said, the play portrays the identity and character of women in Manipuri society.

"Women are placed high in Manipuri society but their values seem to be judged by men and the society they live in.

When they are placed high, they are dragged down the ladder for a simple mistake.

If they agree to this norm is a question that is often asked," Shatananda said.

While keeping the integrity of a Meitei woman intact, Mamal portrays a new and strong women society that is in harmony with the present time, he added.

Manipur Dramatic Union, Director and Manipur State Kala Akademi Awardee Dr Lamabam Gojendra and Member of Board of Governors, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) Kolkata, Budha Chingtham attended the event.

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