Theatre groups advised to produce audience-friendly plays
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 19 2023: The 8th All Manipur Folk Drama Festival 2022-23 commenced at Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) auditorium, here, on Sunday with altogether 5 theatre groups participating in the festival.

The inaugural function of the festival which is being organised by MDU under the sponsorship of the ministry of culture was attended by Manipur Cultural Council president Kangjam Radhakumar Singh, MDU president Soraisam Keshoram and Manipur University of Culture assistant professor Makhomani Mongshaba as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Kangjam Radhakumar observed that the popularity of proscenium theatre among the public began to decline gradually when structural systems of experimental theatre began to emerge along the path of proscenium theatre.

However, since the public do not prefer experimental theatre, the general attendance at experimental theatre began to decline consequently leading to waning of popularity of the art form.

Pointing out that audience play great role in the survival of any art form which will cease to exist in the absence of audience, Kangjam Radhakumar said that people who are into theatre should understand preference of the audience.

They cannot force the audience to see what they do not like, he cautioned.

While stressing the need to protect and promote the age-old folk literature and folk drama of the state, Radhakumar said that folk drama should be preserved and revived along with setting foot on experimental plays.

In his address, Makhomani Mongshaba lamented that the present contemporary society has no place for folk drama which is an invaluable part of human civilization.

"There is no harm in getting into the trend of experimental plays.

But it should go hand in hand and preserve the folk drama which has been handed down by our forefathers" .

The folk drama festival will showcase one play each from MDU, Kodompokpi Dramatic Union, Bashikhong Dramatic Association, Langmeidong Dramatic Union and Blooming Cultural Academy of Performing Arts.

A souvenir was also released on the occasion.

Later "Haorang Leishang Saphabi" of MDU was showcased.

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