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It`s always a challenge to come here : Prof. Richard Gough

International Encounter Theatre of The Earth begins at MU

IMPHAL, March 26: An international theatre exposition organised by Kalakshetra Manipur in collaboration with Manipur University, JNM Dance Acdemy, Art and Culture, Govt. of Manipur and supported by numerous theatre groups of Manipur begins at Manipur University’s Court Room, today. The inaugural session was attended by delegates and observers along with other invitees.

Heisnam Kanhailal, director of Kalakshetra, welcoming the participants in his key note address, he said that Manipur stands at a critical juncture. There is a need to create a new strategy to face the onslaught of mass culture in the current phase of globalisation. It is pertinent to understand the true nature of humanity, without it there is no art. Expecting critical appraisal from the participants during the exposition, Kanhailal said, “Please try to find out the mistakes, and don’t praise us”.

Prof Richard Gough from Wales, U.K, who has come as one of the participants was the Chief Guest of the Inaugural session. “It’s always a challenge to come here”, he said. He has been travelling thirty hours to reach Manipur. Recalling his past experience where he had his first encounter with Kalakshetra at Rampur, a village in Assam, he said that it had been a profound encounter.

Eminent theatre critic, Samik Bandyopadhyay, speaking as the Guest of honour reiterated his long association with Kalakshetra since his first encounter with the group in 1973 while staging of the play Keibu keiyoiba. He said the four days will be an encounter with the heart of Manipur, its history, culture and the rich tradition. Prof. HNK Sharma, VC of the MU praised Kalakshetra not only for its rich contribution in theatre but also the scholarly intervention of Kanhailal, the director of the group.

The four day exposition will include traditional performances of different art forms of Manipur. Alongside, theatre practice of Kalakshetra will be displayed for the delegates. Three plays namely ‘Pebet’, ‘Memoirs of Africa’ for the participants and public performance of much acclaimed ‘Draupadi’ will be staged on 28th March, 6:30 in the evening at CK auditorium, Palace Compound. Participants from Netherlands, Spain, USA, Germany, South Africa, UK, Indonesia, Bangladesh, scholars and theatre practitioners from different universities of India, and local theatre groups will take part in the four day long exposition.

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