Artists left high and dry on inaugural day of Sangai festival

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

“It’s a pity that I had to change my costume at a balcony near the venue for the performance. This is not the first time. Most of the time artists are treated as mere pieces of entertainment and nothing more.”

This was stated by a dejected woman artist, talking to the IFP, who performed on the inaugural night of the ongoing Sangai Festival at the Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre, Palace Compound.

She continued that the organiser paid no attention to the requirements of the artists who were cramped inside the two small green rooms at the backstage with their musical instruments. “They didn’t offer us even a glass of water, forget about refreshments,” she added. 

Head of the production unit JN Manipur Dance Academy Imphal W. Loken, who was the choreographer of the dance item displayed on the inaugural night sharing his plight, said the artists have performed overcoming many inconveniences.

 “I understand that there are security protocols to be followed when the President of our country is the guest at the function. But I am truly saddened by the way the security personnel mistreated the artistes,” he lamented.  

Moreover the organiser had informed us to prepare the item just one month before the festival which is a very limited period but somehow we have managed to present it well, he added. “Apparently there is clear lack of coordination among the authorities which was very much evident from the way they have treated the artist on the inaugural night,” he said.

One of the artist Amang H. said, “There were no adequate dressing room and despite waiting the delegates for long hours they don’t even provide refreshment. The manner in which the organising committee treated us shows lack of dignity, respect and value for artist.”

Another artist Subash Ksh. said, “I felt very proud because as an artist from Manipur I got an opportunity to stand on the stage of Sangai Festival for five times.” But the remuneration paid to the artists is very low, and it has been the same every year, he added. 

Another artist T. Naotomba, airing his displeasure said, “The kind of restriction imposed on us by Manipuri security forces was bizarre. There were too many restrictions. We felt like we were kept inside a jail.”

Further he said, “The honourable president of India in his speech acknowledged the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. However, it is unfortunate that the organiser have failed to recognise the value of our artists who are contributing in whatever way they can.”