Dramatist Showcase Theatre Festival 2026 kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 14 2026: A five-day "A Dramatist Showcase Theatre Festival 2026" organised by Kanglei Living Arts (KANGLA), Manipur, Uchiwa began today at Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) hall, Yaiskul Police Lane.

The inaugural function was attended by Board Member EZCC Kolkata Budha Chingtham, MDU president Hijam Shyam Singh, Rupmahal Theatre vice chairman Loitongbam Brajamohan, Elite Groups of Performing Arts director Soibamcha Indrakumar and theatre activist Mani Yumnam as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Budha Chingtham said theatre is a living art form and drama lives only through performance.

He said such festivals are much heeded to encourage playwrights of the State.

However, organising such festivals involves immense dedication and sacrifice, he said, adding that the financial assistance provided under Chief Ministergi Artist Singgi Tengbang (CMAT) Scheme is meagre.

It is difficult to even organise a workshop with the amount, let alone produce plays that can compete at the international level.

Under the present condition, practising art is not viable, he said.

As part of the festival, nine plays written by Thounaojam Premjit will be staged by nine different theatre groups including Kanglei Living Arts.

On the opening day, KANGLA staged "Keidoungei Loigani" .

On the second day, Potshangbam Tomba Legacy Theatre, Bishnupur will present "Awaiba Mingthol" and Juvenile Theatre, Kongba will present "Huranbana Hukhraba Thamoi" .

On the third day, Hiranmei Cultural Academy.

Hiyanglam will stage "Ei Mikap Thokle" and The Cultural Peace Forum, Canchipur will stage "Manglan Oihoure" .

On the fourth day, Theatre Mirror, Imphal will stage "Meireena Meiwairaklabada" and Jagoi Nachom Sangeet Kala Academy Mahavidyalaya will stage "Sak-Khangdaba Diary" .

On the final day, Langmeidong Dramatic Union will present "Chatloko" and MDU, Yaiskul will present "Punsi Laibak Amadi Tunglamchat" .

A souvenir was also released at today's function.

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