IMPHAL, January 9: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today said that the state government is always ready to encourage our talented artistes and performers as done in the case of talented sportspersons of the state. For this the state 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.
He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural function of the Manipur part of the 16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav-the International Theatre Festival of India at the Shrine PlayHouse of the Chorus Prefecture, Shamusang Uku, Uripok Kangchup Road, Imphal.
“Manipur, though tiny in size, is rich in arts and culture. The native Drama and Shumang Leela which is a unique form of traditional theatre in Manipur continues to be still the most popular recreation even after the introduction of modern electronic media for entertainments and for moulding public opinion”, opined the Chief Minister.
Dramas & Theatre have no geographical boundaries, he said before adding that, theatre envisions healthy culture and traditions serves as bridge between societies and communities.
It binds human beings together and promotes mutual love and trust among different communities of the countries and assimilation of better culture, he further continued.
“The Bharat Rang Mahotsav was started more than a decade ago by the National School of Drama to contribute to the growth and development of theatre across the country.”
In his keynote address the Chairman of the National School of Drama Society(NSD) and also the Director of the 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.
The inaugural function was presided over by Works Minister Dr. Kh. Ratankumar Singh and Prof. N. Tombi Singh Vice Chairman JN Manipur Dance Academy was the Guest of Honour.
The 6 day festival was 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.
