IMPHAL, Aug 18: The inaugural function of the 45 days theatre workshop cum production on Maring traditional culture was held at the Sandang Shenba Maring village, Nomaiching hill in Senapati district today.
The function was organized by Khenjonglang in collaboration with the Karyemkhu Kanthauna cultural repertoire Sandang Shenba Maring village in Senapati district.
The 45-day programme is being undertaken under the extension programme of the National School of Drama, New Delhi.
Prof N Tombi Singh, the vice chairman of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy was the chief guest, while the function was presided over by Kh Sarojini, the director of art and culture, Government of Manipur. The guest of honor of the function was Khulak Angkhul, the chief of the Sandang Shenba Maring village.
The director of the workshop is Dr. S Thaninleima.
The chief guest Prof Tombi said in his speech that the difference with theatre is that it is a composite art form and is the highest art form. Theatre is not merely entertainment but is a part of the culture of a people, he added.
He also said that though there are around 33 different tribes in the state, the JNMDA was taking classes for only the Mao and Kabui tribes, further stating that efforts were being made to increase the number of tribal dance and music classes at the institute. He also gave assurance on the occasion that the Maring culture would also be taken up soon at the premier institute for culture.
The chief guest also said that the culture of peace and harmony could only be brought about by the exchange of art and culture in the state, while adding that there was great need today for the people of differing communities to preserve their art forms and culture.
The function concluded with a programme of Maring dance and folk music.