Symposium on Khasi drama

SHILLONG, MAR 4: The All India Radio,  Shillong held a  symposium on Khasi drama titled, ‘Ka Lyngwiar ki Sawangka’ to dwell on its relevance today and also as a mirror of the society.

The Tuesday’s symposium saw attendance of the students and scholars as the  Khasi drama has a long history and tradition that can be traced to their customs and traditions.

AIR, Shillong retired deputy director EW Dkhar said during the inaugural session of the symposium that there is absence of records on Khasi stage-plays and its  subsequent development.

Stating that the Ramayana and Mahabharata were performed in Mawsynram in the past and that the tales of Arabian Nights were also added to the Khasi stage plays,  Dkhar lamented, “The manuscript of these stage-plays are nowhere to be found.”

Dkhar, however, hoped that the symposium would be a success in reviving the age old tradition.

Delivering the key note address, St Edmund’s College principal Dr Sylvanus Lamare said that drama and theatre which was once upon a time very popular among the people of the state needs to be revived. He said,” Drama and theatre not only provides some form of entertainment to the people of the state but also is a source of employment besides honing the acting talents of young people.”

Outlining the history of Khasi drama, Dr Lamare informed that it existed since the 1900s as the halls located in the city like Quinton Memorial Hall, Opera Hall, Assam Club, Free Mason Hall, Dinam Hall and others were used for staging such plays.

Pointing out that play-acting is inherent in the Khasi way of life as it initially it begins at home, Dr Lamare said stage-plays in Khasi hills is a direct influence of Jaintiapur stage and ascended to Jowai and then touched its feet at Nongkrem, Mawngap, Mawphlang and Shillong.

Dr Lamare also said that the existence of the Khasi Native Club during World War II, Shillong Panora Club, Mawlai Seng Savio and the Rympei Theatrical Centre (RTC) had contributed significantly to the growth of Khasi stage plays.

Dr Lamare, however,  said that in the present day context, stage-plays and theatre cannot be carried forth. “We don’t hear much about stage-plays now. The reason is because there are other means and practising and training for stage-play and theater is a difficult task,” he added.

Resource persons at the symposium included Professor Streamlet Dkhar, Professor Desmond L Kharmawphlang, Dr JS Shangpliang and Professor Badaplin War. –By Our Reporter