Govt always ready to encourage talented artistes:Okram Ibobi
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 09 2014: Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh today said that the State Government is always ready to encourage the talented artistes and performers as done in the case of talented sportspersons of the state.

For this the, the Art & Culture Department is on the process of framing rules to award incentives to the artistes who received awards at the international and even at the national level, the Chief Minister disclosed, while speaking as Chief Guest of the inaugural function of the 6-day long Manipur part of the 16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav-the International Theatre Festival of India at the Shrine PlayHouse of Chorus Prefecture at Shamusang Uku, Uripok Kangchup Road here today.

The Chief Minister observed that Manipur, though tiny in size, is rich in arts and culture.

The native Shumang Leela, which is a unique form of traditional theatre, continues to be still the most popular recreation even after the introduction of modern electronic media for entertainments and for moulding public opinion.

Dramas & Theatre have no geographical boundaries.

Theatre envisioned healthyd serves as bridge between societies and communities.

It binds human beings together.

It promotes mutual love and trust among different communities of the countries and assimilation of better culture.

Theatre is the most loveable medium to highlight the social evils and the most effective medium to mould the mindsets of the general public for a better society.

It may not be an exaggeration to state Dramas and Theatres had a great role in ushering several revolutions, the Chief Minister observed, while expressing hope that organising the International Theatre Festival of India in Imphal will leave an imprint to the Drama lovers of Manipur and to the delegates a lasting fond memory in their minds.

Earlier, in his keynote address, Chairman of the National School of Drama Society (NSD) and also the Director of Chorus Repertory Theatre Padmashri Ratan Thiyam said that effort is being given to bring the NSD to the stage of a Advance Study Centre for Theatre.

Presided over by Works Minister Dr.Kh.

Ratankumar Singh, the inaugural function was also attended by Prof..NTombi Singh, who is the Vice Chairman JN Manipur Dance Academy, as Guest of Honour.

The 6-day long Manipur part of the festival kicked-off with a play from Israel entitled " The Woman Who Didn't Want to Down to Earth" presented by the group Gabrielle Neuhaus Physical Theatre, Tel Aviv, Israel.

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