A scene from the evolved play titled ‘Freedom of Choice’ which was staged at LSFHSS, Dimapur on September 8 last. (Sorei Mahong/Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 9
Theatre is an ancient art. It is a group form of art and an institute of humanity which preserves one’s culture, tradition and society. It is a combination of political, economical and social elements and it is an art which directly interacts with the people.
In the recent years, with the immense support and initiation of North East Zone Cultural Centre, the art form of theatres is slowing picking up a fast progressive phase in Nagaland. Through various ventures and schemes, NEZCC is successfully exploring the field of theatre, consequently promoting a lot of local talents particularly the younger generation.
The latest project is the one month workshop conducted at St. Frances De Sales Higher Secondary School, Medziphema. This was a part of the collaborative programmes between the NEZCC and the National School of Drama, New Delhi.
The director of the workshop Alopi Verma states, “When Pankaj Saxena (NSD Coordinator) invited me to conduct and direct workshop in the state of Nagaland I was overwhelmed with excitement as it is the ‘Land of Music and Festival’. So without any hesitation I accepted the proposal.”
Alopi Verma has been, for the past few decades conducting and directing workshops regularly for NSD. Sharing about his working experience with the 31 (thirty one) selected students of St. Frances De Sales HSS, Alopi Verma stated in the directorial note that since theatre was new to them it was very difficult for them. “Initially they were shy and reluctant to open up but after sometime they started screaming and interacting and improvising the scenes in an easy manner as they continued to work regularly,” Veram further added.
Alopi Verma is associated in the capacity of associate director as well as director with bollywood films like Mr. India, Police Walla Gonda, Vansh and Ek Khubsurat Gonda.
Verma was assisted by two assistant directors-Zhokhoi Chakhesang and Bokavi Swu. They are respectively the vice president and finance secretary of Dreamz Unlimited, A Theatre Society of Nagaland.
During this one month workshop, an evolved play titled ‘Freedom to Choice’ was created with the collective effort of the director and assistant directors. The play was first staged on August 30 at SASRD auditorium, Medziphema and on September 8 at Living Stone Higher Secondary School, Dimapur which was attended by NEZCC Director Som Kamei, IPS; LFHSS Chairman Andrew Ahoto Sumi, father Roy, SFS HSS.
The same play will be performed on September 10 at Shilpagram, Guwahati followed by the last show on September 13 at Saratsadan, Howrah, Kolkata.
About the play ‘Freedom of Choice’
The play depicts about the young generation where they are forced by their parents to become ‘somebody’ without knowing their actual talents and interest which leads to an unsatisfactory life. It gives us a clear idea that ‘Freedom of Choice’ should be given to every individual when it comes to choosing one’s profession. Only then a person will become successful in future and also enjoy his life and work.
The play also shows the luxurious life of rich people and how they ignore to extend helping hand to the poor and needy. Another lesson the play depicts is about awareness on cleanliness, pollution and environment.
Over all ‘Freedom of Choice’ spreads the message to make a choice, to love and help each other and to be responsible and good citizens in the society.
The play depicts about the young generation where they are forced by their parents to become ‘somebody’ without knowing their actual talents and interest which leads to an unsatisfactory life. It gives us a clear idea that ‘Freedom of Choice’ should be given to every individual when it comes to choosing one’s profession. Only then a person will become successful in future and also enjoy his life and work.
The play also shows the luxurious life of rich people and how they ignore to extend helping hand to the poor and needy. Another lesson the play depicts is about awareness on cleanliness, pollution and environment.
Over all ‘Freedom of Choice’ spreads the message to make a choice, to love and help each other and to be responsible and good citizens in the society.
