IMPHAL, January 18: The three-day Festival of Dance Drama commemorating 40th anniversary of the Production Unit of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy, JNMDA concluded today evening with ‘Bidai Abhishap’ mesmerising the audience at the open-air theatre.
RK Nimai Singh, consultant to the government of Manipur, speaking as the chief guest of the concluding function highlighted that it is natural for any art form to evolve with time.
“A stagnant art form is certain to perish if it does not evolve. Manipuri dance is one of the finest examples of synthesis between cultures”, he said.
Nimai lauded the Production Unit of JNMDA on its completion of 40 years of journey. “It would not be an exaggeration to say that the production Unit has been a cultural ambassador of Manipur not only in India but across the globe”, he said, before adding that the Unit’s rich experience of touring 30 countries is a valuable achievement.
The former Commissioner of Art and Culture, government of Manipur also pointed out that there is a tendency for instant gratification in the present society. “In this backdrop, our art form has to face the challenge of globalisation, like in the past we have had faced many challenges and overcame them”, he said.
L Upendro Sharma, Director of JNMDA in his welcome address mentioned that the academy has come to an understanding with institutes like Shantiniketan and Vishwa Bharati for academic exchanges. He said a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the institutes soon.
L Joychandra, former Director of JNMDA, who presided the function, said staging of Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Bidai Abhishap’ on the concluding day of the festival is a tribute to the great writer. He said the important role played by Tagore in promoting Manipuri dance in the Indian classical dance circuit is worth remembering for all time.
It may be mentioned that the cold weather failed to deter massive turn out of audience who have gathered to witness the festival’s last play ‘Bidai Abhisav’. The play received lots of plaudits from the audience. N Amusana Devi is the director and choreographer of the play, music is by KH Rameshkumar Singh and P Meghachandra.