Playwright and eminent critic, Budha Chingtham in Manipur on Sunday hailed theatre as one of the essential components that tells or reflects the identity of the society.
Addressing the observance ceremony of ‘World Theatre Day’ held at Manipur Dramatic Union, Yaiskul Police Lane, Budha said that theatre is one of the significant art forms which is an inseparable component of any society. It shows one’s identity, culture and tradition. Apart from this, theatre also plays a crucial role in promoting peace, unity and integrity in the society, the playwright said.
The programme was organised by Theatre Arts and Literature Afflux.
Budha encouraged the young and budding artistes to enhance the quality and standard of theatre by bringing in more experimental form.
As a part of the programme, a poem “Song of War Caged Bird” was presented in theatre form. A two-day Indo-Bangla International seminar under the theme “Theatre for All, Peace Building and Cultural Events” was kicked off.
During the function, Salam Ibemcha and Salam Irabot Memorial Award given by Palem Panthou Cultural Trust was presented to Budha Chingtham. The award consists of cash, citation and shawl.
The programme was attended by regional director, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, North East Region, Shillong, ministry of External Affairs, Ningthoujam Munish Singh; chairman, Banian Repertory Theatre, Meghachandra Kongbam as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
World Theatre Day was also observed by Theatre Centre Manipur at Manipur Press Club under the theme “Theatre and A Culture of Peace”.
Attending the function as chief guest, director, Social Welfare, Ngangom Uttam said that without theatre and Shumang Leela, it would not be possible to create a good society. This medium imparts lots of knowledge, ideas and conveys thought-provoking messages in the form of infotainment, he added.
He further said that considering the essence of this art form, people of the state should give due regard and encourage artists of the state. It is also necessary to preserve and promote this art form as an invaluable asset of the society, he said.
As a part of the function, Konjengbam Dilip Life Time Achievement Award was presented to theatre director, Sarungbam Biren.
The programme was also attended by social reformer, Konjengbam Dilip Singh; chairman, Board of Secondary Education Manipur, Akham Joykumar Singh and secretary, Theatre Centre Manipur, Khoisnam Ranabir Singh as guests of honour and president respectively.
