Nagaland: Live Theatre Performance in honour of mothers on May 7

May 5, 2022 73 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 5

Very rarely do people in Nagaland get to enjoy a live theatre performance despite it known to help in the promotion of social discourse, dialogue and potential social change. While live theatre is yet to gain popularity among Naga audience, Tribal Acts, in its bit to promote one of the oldest art forms in the world, is all set to present their first play called ‘A Mother’s Love’ on the eve of Mother’s Day at State Academy Hall, Kohima.

When four young people namely, Kusa Lohe, Sezolü Rhakho, Tokugha Sheqi, and Vepfütolü Atu Medeo came together to form ‘Tribal Acts’, it was unmistakably their love for plays, subsequently resulting into the upcoming live theatre performance. “For our first venture, we decided to do something relating to mothers because there are really no words to do justice to a mother’s love,” says Kusa Lohe, who is also the director of the play.

“I would call it a turn of events that revolves around a mother, and the centre piece of the play is the mother’s scene towards the end, where I really want to let the audience feel the emotion,” he relates to The Morung Express. “It will be a one hour show and we want people to experience the joy, come and witness, especially for people to bring their mothers,” he further expresses.

In live theatre, he goes on to say, “There is no second chance; we can’t afford to mess up our lines,” which is why they are investing a lot of time rehearsing over the last couple of months. “When practicing, we are fully engrossed in it. It can get tiring but as long as you are passionate, you don’t even realise how time passes,” he also states in this regard. The play will be in Nagamese, for which they have roped in a total of seven actors including three main characters.

As for Kusa Lohe, whose lifelong yearning was to stage a play like this, the wait seems to be almost over. Since childhood, he has been fascinated with theatre and would be the most excited kid to participate in skits as part of his Sunday school. Over the years, he has been involved with Church plays, and also trained young people on ‘drama and acting’ in Phek district under the initiative of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council.

Referring to the upcoming play, he articulates that this is a sort of platform because we have many unexplored talents but no platform. “My understanding of acting is— when you are confident, and you get yourself absorbed in the character, then it comes naturally,” he highlights while reiterating that there are so many untapped talents.

“Till we came together for the play, everyone was a stranger. We didn’t know any of the actors… in doing this, we also realised there is immense talent and with a little push and encouragement, it just comes out naturally. When they are doing a happy scene for instance, or when angry, we ask them to put in more energy…we give them a picture of what we want, or what we are expecting from them and guide them. They become more comfortable, more confident, and they are able to perform,” he substantiates.

In doing Church plays, he also impresses upon that “there is a certain limitation and because of time constraints, it’s usually very unpolished but whatever we are trying to do here is we are trying to be as realistic as possible be it in the expression of our emotions or our movements.”

“We have priced the ticket at a minimum rate of Rs 200. The show will commence at 5:00 pm at State Academy Hall, Kohima on the eve of Mother’s Day (May 7). Those interested can get a ticket from the venue or alternatively book the show by contacting 9089479510/7005074840,” he informed.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/kikruma-local-ground-dedicated-to-excel-and-glorify-our-god