Imphal, Oct 6 A 45-day residential workshop on theatre was recently organized in Imphal, which was aimed at motivating the youth to take up theater and to highlight major social issues and create mass awareness in the society.

The workshop was organized by Theatre Mirror, Leimayon Arts Centre and the National School of Drama.

The theatre movement in Manipur is playing a major role in encouraging the youth to use the art form to raise issues that affect the society.

Waraphanaba, Project director of the workshop, said that it was looking forward to train youth and impart knowledge of dramatics.

"To impart training to youngsters from the very grassroot level. I try to impart them the knowledge of professionalism as well as the knowledge of dramatics," he said.

In an overwhelming response, 50 youths turned up to participate in the workshop, out of which 37 were selected- more than the limited allocation of 30 participants.

Three prominent theater artists from outside the state also came to provide training in theatrical techniques to the participants, and after a hard and rigorous session, a final production was showcased by the participants at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal.

M. Reena, an artist, said that the workshop was also looking to divert minds of youth from destructive actions.

"Such cultural activities will help in diverting minds of young people in the state, who are getting carried away towards destructive actions. As an artist, this is a major advantage that we are able to contribute to the society," she said. (ANI)