SHILLONG, June 9: Newly-formed Fraternity Art Cine Entertainment Shillong (FACES) and well-known theatre group Seng Biria U Khasi (SBUK) on Friday came together by signing an agreement to revive the state’s moribund performing arts and theatre.
The agreement was signed by SBUK president W Kharkrang and FACES representative Pradip Kurbah, who is a noted filmmaker, during a press conference at the Shillong Press Club.
Kurbah was unanimously chosen as Adviser to SBUK and spokesperson of FACES. Markynsaidor Dhartmar, general secretary of SBUK, was also named as spokesperson of SBUK.
Kharkrang told reporters two male and two female members of FACES would be co-opted as Associate Members of SBUK. The responsibility of nominating such members has been left to Kurbah for finalisation.
“More members may be co-opted depending on the need of the time,” he said, adding, “Revenue generated through theatre shows would be utilised based on mutual understanding and agreement between SBUK and FACES.”
It was agreed that FACES will be permitted to utilise the seal, logo etc. of SBUK for promotion of mutually-agreed upon events. The two bodies agreed to further strengthen any formal documentation towards the agreement, if required in future.
The core idea and objective behind the merger was to rejuvenate the dwindling theatrical shows and spread positive messages through theatre and performing arts and by involving quality artistry, including artistes from the area of cinema, with the greater aim being to enable showcasing such works not only across the length and breadth of the state, but also to different parts of the country and the world at large.
The two bodies set themselves a clear and achievable time frame to achieve the same through dedication and forward planning.
Through the initiatives of its president, SBUK had opened the Khasi Learning Centre (KLC) on September 5, 2015 on the occasion of Teacher’s Day. It was made functional through the premises of Shillong Law College.
The KLC provided free classes for non-Khasi individuals interested in learning the language. It achieved success in no time with the enrollment of individuals, including students, of New York University and others from Portugal, Japan and other parts of India.
These people included doctors, lawyers, engineers, missionaries, businessmen, research scholars, housewives, principals of schools and colleges etc. However, the COVID-induced lockdown had abruptly brought the initiative to a halt. The two bodies have jointly agreed to revive the initiative.
Well-known Khasi actor and singer Merlvin Mukhim welcomed the idea and effort of reviving theatre and drama. He expressed his willingness to contribute through his experience in school musicals of which he has been a part from a tender age.
“This is a huge opportunity for the talented people of Meghalaya, with age not being a barrier to showcase artistic abilities through a different format beyond cinema,” he said.
With SBUK, a household name especially during the 1990s, losing a good number of stage performers to old age-related ailments, this new initiative is seemingly seen as a push to ensure that the good work is continued by artistes of a younger generation.
Kurbah also said that FACES will help reach the message to different locations of Meghalaya to attract talent and imbibe a renewed energy towards theatrical shows.
Filmmaker and president of FACES Simi Khongtiang, veteran actor Richard Kharpuri, and artistes from SBUK, including Kitbor W Nongrum, were also present.
Renowned thespian the late Enshon Lamare was fondly remembered for his contributions to theatres and cinemas.
