IMPHAL, November 7: The inaugural show of Shakuntala Dance Drama, the 35th production of the academy was displayed at the auditorium of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, JNMDA today.
The function was attended by the Governor of Manipur who is also the Chairman of the JNMDA, Gurbachan Jagat as the chief guest.
Speaking at the function, the Governor said that the premier show presented by the academy is a great production. This dance drama was based on the renowned drama of Kalidas and choreographed and directed by W Lokendrajit Singh.
Further addressing the function, the Governor expressed that the first time he heard the story of Sakuntala was from her grandparents and added that the story is a strong drama with a lot of fundamental values in it.
He further opined that the dance drama would project the sentiments of the drama as perceived by the great poet Kalidas.
He was however quick to add that it certainly is not an easy task.
The state Governor further praised all the artists, choreographers, musicians and JNMDA for their efforts in interpreting the beautiful languages of the great poet in dance movements.
Vice-Chairman of JNMDA, Prof N Tombi stated that Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy was one of the best known repertories of Manipuri dance and music in India.
Addressing the function, he said that producing good dancers was the main objective of the academy which it hoped to do by offering several comprehensive dance and music courses besides training in allied arts like Thang-ta.
It has also featured in all the important festivals in India and aboard for the past several years, he said.
It is one of the curses for us that we remain far from such beautiful play of Kalidas, the greatest poet and dramatist of Indian classical literature, he said.
Referring to Kalidas as the Indian Shakespeare, he further stated that the play expressed how desensitized we have become towards humanity.