Promotion of Theatre stressed on World Theatre Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 27 2023: Need of promoting theatre artform was stressed on the occasion of World Theatre Day today On this occasion, renowned theatre playwright and director Ratan Thiyam has lamented the lack of a State policy to promote theatre and other art forms.

He was speaking at the World Theatre Day celebration held today at Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, Konung Mamang organised by the Department of Art & Culture.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient shared that despite being adulated globally for his directorial prowess, he is currently living off a Rs 4,000 Old Age Pension given by the Government of Manipur.

Expressing worry for those wading into the world of theatre, he opined that in Manipur, theatre artistes have to agonize over inflation, cost of living etc.

Promotion of Theatre stressed on World Theatre Day

In view of such circumstances, he questioned how high quality theatres can emerge from India.

He opined that if the Government implements a policy for theatre and other art forms it might help in providing help and support to talented artistes.

Today's event was attended by M Joy Singh, Commissioner, Art and Culture, Government of Manipur and Sabitri Heisnam, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee as the guests of honour.

The observance of World Theatre Day was also held today at Palem Panthou Cultural Trust Auraishang, Langjing Achouba.

The observance was organised by the Theatre Arts and Literature Afflux.

A two day Indo-Bangla International seminar on the impacts of art and literature in the society also commenced today.

Hiyanglam AC MLA Dr Y Radheshyam; renowned playwright and critic Budha Chingtham and Manipur Theatre Academy Director S Beeren graced as the presidium members of the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Y Radheshyam expressed that theatre is among the oldest artforms which also serves as an important medium to spread messages and awareness to the masses.

To promote this artform, all should come forward and observe this day widely thereby acknowledging its significance, he maintained.

He urged all theatre artistes, enthusiasts and critics etc to make cohesive efforts for the development of theatre artform.

The MLA while stating that the Government has been taking up steps to promote various performing artforms in the State informed that plans are underway to allocate budget for the development of these artforms.

The observance of World Theatre Day was also held on the theme 'Unite for Performing Arts and Humanism' at Manipur Press Club organised by Theatre Centre, Manipur.

The event was attended by Manipur Cultural Council Chairman K Radhakumar (Retd IAS) and former Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), L Upendro and Theatre Centre Manipur Treasurer, P Khogendra as the presidium members.

During the event, the attendees observed two minute silence in the honour of the eminent theatre personality (late) Naba Wareppa.

Meanwhile, Manipur College Drama Club observed the day at its college campus today which was graced by College Principal Dr W Shambhunath; Manipur College Teachers Association (MCTA) president and Head of Education, Dr S Banamali Devi and former MCTA president Dr P Birchandra as the presidium members.