SHILLONG, NOV 25: Meghalaya troupe along with other seven troupes from north east India participated in the 1st International Indigenous Theatre Festival Dhaka 2015.
The festival was organised by Sampreeti Natyautsab Parishad, Bangladesh in which two theatres were staged every day and the Meghalaya troupe performed on November 21 at Shilpa Kala Academy auditorium.
The play was produced by Tyngkai Cultural Welfare Organisation in collaboration with Riti Academy of Visual Arts. The story was written and directed by Raphael Warjri, while Genevieve Khongjee produced and co-directed the play entitled “Bind at Heart”.
The original story was written by Sameer Sohliya and the theatre is based on the true incident that took place in 2002 at Pyrdiwah village in the war region bordering Bangladesh. The playwright, Raphael Warjri stated “Even as the story is about the political dilemma that led to conflict situation among the two neighbouring countries, but the plot of the story was emphasised on the fictional character that resisted the attempt to displace him from his original birthplace”.
The story is about the brotherhood of man, about peaceful co-existence among diverse communities and the mutual respect for each others’ cultural tradition. The political reality was presented at the backdrop of the essence of humanity.
Almost all the characters are novice in theatrical performances, the actors who performed includes  Sanat Basaiawmoit and Dalariti Gratel Kharnaior as the main protagonists, while the other actors are Paul Lyngdoh, Crystal Gayle Kharnaior and  Wondrous Nongsiej.
Renowned theatre director and theatre artiste of Bangladesh Lakhi Inam and other distinguished guests distributed the medals and mementoes to all the artistes and technicians involved. The National School of Drama alumnus and eminent theatre personality of Bangladesh, Jamil Ahmed appreciated the concept of the play but was critical about the political ramification in the storyline.
However, playwright, Raphael Warjri clarified, “It was the political reality that prevailed and need to be portrayed in relevant perspective. However, the humanitarian aspect is supreme to all political ideologies”. Nevertheless, both agreed on a thorough debate on the matter.
Subsequently, on November 23 the Meghalaya troupe performed at Mymensing and the theatre was attended by the District Commissioner, the Mayor of Mymensing and a host of dignitaries, apart from the spectators.
The District Commissioner appreciated the performance and recalled on the congenial coexistence of the people from both sides of the border and commented that the theatre could play a role in fostering peace and harmony in the region along the stretch of the international border.- By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours