[caption id="attachment_227403" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Scene from Assamese play ‘Autho Sanbad Britta Chunsilor’ directed by Siva Prasad Nath during the ongoing 11th Northeast Theatre festival which commenced on Jan. 11 at Town Hall, Dimapur.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan.11: The 11th edition of the Poorvottar Natya Samaroh Northeast theatre festival commenced on Jan. 11 at Town Hall, Dimapur.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the 9-day festival, Prof. Dinesh Khanna from National School of Drama (NSD) said that “Northeast is a great place and because of its culture, the region has an identity.”
The culture and traditions in Nagaland are still intact and that the rest of the country should understand the uniqueness, he added.
Dr. Hesheto Chishi, director of the Indigenous Cultural Society, Nagaland spoke about the value of theatre. Terming it as a new art form for Nagas, he encouraged everyone to have a soft corner for theatre and use it to pass on the folklores and traditions of the ancestors.
He thanked the NSD for reviving the art form of theatre and also bringing back the oral traditions of passing on old traditions to the new generation.
“When we watch the play, it should remind us about the lives and situation our forefathers lived during that time and era,” said Chishi.
The first day of the festival witnessed an Assamese play called ‘Autho Sanbad Britta Chunsilor,’ directed by Siva Prasad Nath and performed by the group named Sankalpa from Assam.
The fest is organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi in collaboration with the state’s art and culture department, and it will conclude on Jan. 19.
Plays from Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland will be staged during the 9-day festival. Jina and Etiben by director Bendang Walling will be performed by actors from Hill Theatre, Nagaland on Jan. 13 at 6 pm at Town Hall, Dimapur.
