The 31st All Manipur Drama Festival 2022-23, organised in connection with the golden jubilee celebration of Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA), kicked off on Monday at Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound, Imphal. The nine–day festival will be held till March 11, 2023.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA of Hiyanglam AC, Dr. Radheshyam Yumnam, emphasized on the urgent need to discuss measures regarding the growth and preservation of the theatre art form in Manipur.
“Time for discussions is slowly slipping away; if we want to preserve it, we must do it now,” he added.
Radheshyam further pointed out that the state government had been striving to map out a cultural policy of Manipur. The long overdue cultural policy is the only way to truly preserve every art form and artist in the state, he said.
He maintained that the festival will provide a huge platform to theatre practitioners and artists to promote the dying art form. He stated that the festival will also strengthen the bond between the new and old era of theatre in Manipur.
The MLA highlighted that every person of the state had a vital role in preserving theatre at form in Manipur. As such we should strive collectively to reimagine and revitalize this dying art form, he said.
Radheshyam mentioned that the government is mapping out measures to promote and help artists in the state.
“Artist singgi Tenbang and the state university of culture are initiatives of the government to help and promote artists,” he informed.
The MLA further extended gratitude to MSKA for organising such an event and wished the festival will continue to garner notoriety and success in the years to come.
Meanwhile, MSKA awardee L Brajamohan Singh exuded confidence that the festival will be able to rejuvenate the theatre arts in Manipur. He stated that artist and theatre enthusiasts in the state will continue to strive in improving all genres of art form in the state.
He further exhorted people to visit the auditorium during the festival and submerge themselves in the beauty of the state’s theatrical arts.
Manipur Dramatic Union’s drama titled ‘Chahi Taret Khuntakpa’ directed by Hijam Shyam (Shyamdhani) was showcased on the first day of the festival.
Prominent artists, theatre enthusiasts among others were present during the inaugural event.
