The one-month traditional theatre training on Moirang Parva, 2023 which kicked off from September 28 concluded at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound on Sunday.
The training programme had been jointly organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and Theatre Mirror Imphal.
On the occasion, Arts and Culture commissioner M Joy stated that the traditional narrative art form of Manipur was slowly diminishing compared to the past.
“Narrative arts brought a unique depth to the story with its peculiar presentation. There is a need to revive the art form among the children by making the teaching style more interactive and interesting to the youths,” he said.
He noted that such training programmes were vital in reviving the artform and maintained that such programmes should be conducted more frequently.
“Awareness about one's culture would lead to respect for other cultures. This would ultimately lead to strengthening of the cordial bonds,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shumang Leela State Council Lifetime secretary Sougrakpam Hemanta expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of theatre training institutes in Manipur.
“There is no grass root institute for theatre training apart from Manipur University of Culture. There is not a single training institution for Shumang Leela which is disheartening considering the role of Shumang Leela in preserving Manipur's culture,” he said.
He extended gratitude to the noted trainers who provided the youth with invaluable lessons during the training programme.
Altogether, around 56 youths took part in the training programme of which 28 are from relief camps.
Certificates for completion of the training course were also distributed during the concluding function. A memento of appreciation was also distributed to the trainers.
During the training programme, a four-day Narrative Art Festival was also organised in memory of Manipuri Theatre doyen Oja Naba Wareppa from October 16 to 19.
MSSLC president M Purnimashi Leima and SP (Crime against Women &Children) Ph Maheswari Devi among other renowned theatre personalities of Manipur along with parents of the trainees were present at the concluding function.
