SHILLONG: In a first, a dramatic interpretation of legendary Khasi poet U Soso Tham’s ‘Ki Sngi Barim U Hynniewtrep’ will be presented by the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU in collaboration with the Lady Keane College, during the Monolith Festival to be held from March 31st to April 2.
‘Ki Sngi Barim U Hynniewtrep’ by U Soso Tham can be translated into “The Olden Days of the Seven Huts”.
A source of inspiration and knowledge from generation to generation, this magnum opus of U Soso Tham is considered the greatest work in Khasi literature which gives an insight into Khasi culture and the challenges faced by the community.
The interpretation, to be showcased at 5 pm on April 1, has been conceptualized by Madeline Tham of Lady Keane College and produced by Prof Desmond Kharmawphlang.
The piece, written way back in 1926 when the Khasi society was witnessing crisis of several kinds in terms of identity, is at once prophetic, a critic of the society and lay bare the kind of vision that U Soso Tham experienced.
“Ki Sngi Barim U Hynniewtrep is a reflection of the Khasi society and a source of inspiration and knowledge to the Khasis. Hence it is only apt that its first dramatic interpretation be staged during the Monolith Festival which is a celebration and enrichment of culture,” the organizers said here on Monday.
Addressing a section of the media at the Khasi Heritage Village at Mawphlang recently, Prof Desmond Kharmawphlang said, “The play which depicts the Golden Age of the Khasis will also show a paradigm shift of society from its roots and culture. But in the end there is a sense of hope within ourselves, our society and our roots, and maybe we can find some source of inspiration from the work.”
Call to photographers
A group of university students has come up with an idea to involve amateur photographers in the government’s cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The event “Capturing Pixels 2016” (CP 2016) is being organised by six fourth semester students of Mass Communication at Assam Don Bosco University. “We want everyone to participate in the cleanliness programme using smart phones,” said event coordinator Patricia Swer explaining the competition concept which makes photography accessible to common people.
The CP 2016 event which consists of competition and exhibition will be held during the “Monolith Festival” at Khasi Heritage Village, Mawphlang from March 31 to April 2. The last date of the submission of the photos is March 29.
