Theatre workshop ends
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 24, 2011: The 15-day long workshop on �Traditional folk theatre and traditional clown of Manipur' organised by Repertory for Performing Arts of Manipur concluded at Rupmahal Theatre today.

In all 24 boys and 8 girls participated in the workshop completely.

Presenting a report on the workshop at the valedictory function, workshop director RK Sanatomba Singh observed that these days young artistes are more interested in video film rather than theatre.

So, theatre movement is slowing declining due to lack of audience.

But the fact remains that artistes who have not undertaken thorough theatre training would not be a good artistes.

Pointing out that there is different acting styles for different characters in theatre, he lamented that we have been seeing same acting for different characters in video films.

He expressed hope that organising such more theatre workshops would help in grooming the artistes to perfection.

Speaking as chief guest of the valedictory function, Deputy Director of Department of Art and Culture W Mera Singh suggested that theatre workshop should be organised for a duration of one or two months and not for 15 days, to give more chance to the young artistes to learn more about theatre and acting.

Secretary of Manipur State Kala Akademi S Videshwor Sharma, who attended the function as one of the guests of honour, observed that some may be a born artiste, but they too need �Guru' to know more about the art and to show their talents, exposition out the State is important.

He further said that just talking or discussing about promotion of artistes or theatre would not bring any development nor get any support.

We need to take the Manipuri theatre at the National or International level.

Moreover, just by providing funds to organise such theatre workshop would not make know our directors and artistes outside the State.

They too need exposure.

The president of Theatre Centre, Manipur Wareppa Naba, who was another guest of honour of the function said that doing theatre has become a difficult job today.

Earlier we only entertain the audience, but today it is a great challenge for the artistes and they have been entrusted with many responsibilities by steering the course of the society to the right direction.

He also stressed on the need for more young and talented artistes for dedication in bringing the theatre movement to the highest pinnacle.

Certificates were also presented to the participants at the occasion.

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