JNMDA director bats for theatre academy in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 05 2024: Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) director Pukhrambam Bislash Singh has pointed out the need for the government to establish a theatre academy in the state to accelerate the growth of Manipur's theatre scene.

Bilash shared his opinion while speaking prior to the premiere show of "Mamal" Price), a new play of Rag Mandal produced under the Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS) of the ministry of culture, at JNMDA auditorium on Tuesday.

The play is directed by Hanjabam Satananda Sharma.

Presided over by Manipur State Kala Akademi awardee Dr Lamabam Gojendra, the function was attended by Bilash as chief guest while Eastern Zonal Cultural Cen tre, Kolkata Board of Governors Budha Chingtham was guest of honour.

In his address, Pukhrambam Bilash noted that while the pace of Manipuri theatre was once vibrant, it has now diminished significantly.

He, however, affirmed that the atre is not a dead art form but a living one that evolves with contemporary changes.

The director pointed out the importance of identifying the reasons behind the gradual decline of Manipuri theatre and also acknowledged efforts being made by the state government in promoting art and culture, such as the Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) Scheme, which aims to support local artistes.

He also highlighted that those involved in theatre face greater challenges compared to artistes of music and dance.

While there are academies for song and dance, there is no dedicated academy for theatre, he maintained and urged the government to prioritise theatre and establish a theatre academy in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, director Hanjabam Satananda highlighted that while women in the state are held in high esteem, yet they are often brought down to the lowest levels whenever mistake is committed by a woman in society.

The play seeks to challenge the audience by asking whether there is a need to establish and cultivate a strong women's community, where women can honour the traditions of the past while also embracing contemporary trends, he said.

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