Workshop on mime dance art highlights ill effects of insurgency in Manipur

Imphal, June 7 (ANI): The Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory, which was established in 1987, organized a 10-day workshop on mime and dance recently that included a play that highlighted the ills of insurgency in the state.

At the training workshop, participants produced plays concerning the prevailing situation of the state, with issues on insurgency and environment.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, the Sangeet Natak Academy and Arts and Culture Department, Manipur, the workshop was meant to promote Manipur's cultural heritage among young generation.

Its theme was "Infusion of Cultural Values in Education". The workshop witnessed the participation of 50 students, including four especially challenged students.

"Through this mime, we can depict the present turmoil in the state and make the youth understand the consequences. This way, we can attract the youth to this field and bring peace in the state," said Sony Nongmaithem, one participant.

"In my opinion, the youth of the state are searching for a peaceful life in a turmoil-ridden state like Manipur. Manipur is rich in its culture. The youth believe that by involving themselves in such cultural activities, they can find some peace," said Dhanabir Mangang, another participant.

At the end of workshop, the youngsters presented two plays namely "Newspaper" and "Forest".

The play "Newspaper" depicted the present existing newspapers of the state, wherein 90 percent of the content is that of violence and insurgency.

The play showed that if such trends continued, the state would become a a land of widows.

"Almost everyday in Manipur, we find killings, chaos, fighting, bombing or shootings everyday and everyday we find it in Newspaper. Manipur is a turmoil state. So, we want to show the turmoil state and we don't like such turmoil. We would like to live peacefully," said Dr. Y. Sadananda Singh, Director of the Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory.

Participants hoped that such initiatives would enable local youngsters to divert the minds for creating a better Manipur. (ANI)