Shumang Leela is the most vibrant performing art form: Joykumar

IMPHAL, 10^th DECEMBER, 2018 (DIPR): Deputy Chief Minister Shri Y. Joykumar Singh has said that Shumang Leela is the most vibrant among the performing art forms in the State. He was speaking as Chief Guest at the inaugural function of 15^th Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei, 2018 held today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen at Palace Compound in Imphal.

Deputy Chief Minister said, performing art forms like theatre and drama have been in slow pace of development due to its inability to grasp the attention of its audience. He said, despite its costume or choreography, the theme of the play reflecting different issues or problems in our society is important to catch the attention of the audience. Stating that, Shumang Leela can effectively reflect the contemporary issues of the society, Shri Joykumar Singh said, it is because the content, popularity among the audience has been increasing considerably. Issues which have been reflected in Shumang Leela can be reached at different levels of society. Even contents which can influence people in the government and bureaucracy have been played in Shumang Leela.  Therefore, we all have to cooperate for the development of Shumang Leela and organising such festivals can be helpful, he added. Deputy Chief Minister also expressed confidence that Manipur State Shumang Leela Council will try their best to develop this medium and exuded confidence that Government will also extend all possible help in this direction.

President of Manipur State Co-operative Union, L. Tompishak Singh while presiding over the inaugural function lauded the effort made by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council to nurture and develop Shumang Leela in the State.

Earlier, S. Hemanta Singh, Lifetime Secretary of the Council urged the Government to allocate recurring grant for the development of Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen and the Council.

The festival which are being organised by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council will show 14 different plays. Altogether 14 Shumang Leela groups have been participating the festival which will be continued till 24^th of this month. 8 Shumang Leela will be selected from this festival to participate in State Kala Academy’s Leela Festival slated to be held in February next year.

Deputy Chief Minister also felicitated Observers and Theatre Directors which were engaged in the Sangai International Shumang Leela, 2018 held recently during the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2018.