SHILLONG: A one-day programme on performing arts, conducted by the Department of Khasi, Sankardev College was held on July 1 in collaboration with Seng Biria U Khasi (SBUK) a well known humour and drama group of the State.
The aim of the programme was to hone the acting skills and writing of plays and dramas for the students.
As part of the programme, the participants were introduced to the art of script writing for drama and performing art by renowned author and dramatist Kitbok Nongrum.
While presenting his short discourse on the subject, Nongrum recalled the history of drama in Shillong, which saw the growth especially during the first and second world war.
He also mentioned the role of few dramatic societies like the Shillong Panora Club, the Khasi Native Club and others, who were thriving during the pre and post World War period.
He narrated the influence of drama staged by these clubs to the far flung areas like Mawngap, Nongkhlieng, Mawshun and other locations.However, he lamented that most of the dramas were not recorded or documented. The exception was the drama Ka Shangkhawiah ki Rang written by Peace Roy Pariat and published by R.J. Khongwir in 1979.
Another resource person, Enshon Lamare, a prominent actor in Khasi plays and drama besides films and other visual presentations, shared his expertise and experience on creativity, which according to him was one of the most important components of drama and films.
The programme was concluded with a short drama U Niangpyrsit by the members of SBUK. The theme of the drama was to create awareness on the traditional and modern treatment and prevention of measles.
Those who participated in the programme include Markynsai Dkhar, Carlus Lamare and others. The programme was attended by the Principal of Sankardev College D. Dkhar, the teaching faculty and students.
