Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 23 2010:
As the Rupamahal Theatre celebrated its 67th foundation day today, the 11th Rupamahal Artist Memorial Drama Festival, 2010 was also kicked off today at Rupamahal Theatre Hall, Imphal.
The annual award of the theatre 'Meitram Bir Award' was presented to renowned theatre artist Sapam Nupimacha of Nongmeibung Chakpram Leirak.
Kshetrimayum Shyam of Wangkhei Wangkheirakpam Leikai and Kshetrimayum Somorendro of Wangkhei Konsam Leikai were also honoured o the occasion.
The Meitram Bir Award was consisted of Rs 5,000 and a shawl along with a memento.
Retired IAS, Elangbam Sonamani was the chief guest of the function.
Chairman, Rupamahal Theatre, Oinam Biramangol was the president.
In a speech, Elangbam Sonamani said that there were many spectators in the drama halls during a drama show in the period from 1943 to 1970.However, the numbers of spectators decreased dramatically with the introduction and development of electronic media.
One of the major setbacks is the lack of good quality dramas.
Frequent advertisement, review and using of new techniques will help in bringing back the lost spectators in today's world.
Speaking on the occasion, Director S Lakhikanta said that Rupamahal was established on December 23, 1943 at Moirangkhong Thumbukhong.
The theatre hall was established by Shivadutta, Kh Giri, Hawaibam Nilamani and Meitram Bir.
State government and the Manipur State Kala Akademi are not taking up any initiatives to develop theatre in the state.
The drama festival which began today will conclude on January 2 next year.
Nine different theatre groups of the state will be participating in the festival.