Theatre Adaptation of ‘The Case of Longti Village’ Enthrals Audience at Maple Tree School, Dimapur

The culmination of a remarkable thirty-day production-oriented theatre workshop held in collaboration with the National School of Drama, New Delhi and Hill Theatre Nagaland was witnessed with awe as the highly anticipated play, “The Case of Longti Village,” unfolded on the stage of Maple Tree School in Dimapur. Directed by the immensely talented Bendang Walling, the adaptation of the novel by Sentilong Ozukum left the audience spellbound with its exceptional performances and profound storytelling.

The intimate setting of the venue welcomed approximately 200 passionate theatre enthusiasts who eagerly anticipated the performance by the fifteen workshop participants. Under the adept guidance of Bendang Walling, an alumnus of the National School of Drama, the play was meticulously designed by Victor Singh, alumnus of the London School of Performing Arts and Uto Chishi, alumnus of NSD New Delhi, with Kilangtemsu Imsong, alumnus of NSD, Tripura serving as the Assistant Director.

The evening was hosted by Limasenla Jamir while Alobo Naga graced the occasion and encouraged the young generation to embrace the journey of life through the art of theatre.

During his speech, Director Bendang Walling expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Maple Tree School and its proprietors, Mr and Mrs Sanen, for their unwavering support in hosting the thirty-day theatre workshop. He acknowledged their appreciation for the promotion of theatre arts in Nagaland, emphasizing that the main focus of the workshop was on the holistic learning process, using theatre as a means of fostering mental and physical flexibility.

Critics and theatre enthusiasts alike lauded the production, with renowned film director Vito Sumi commending the flawless capture of the book’s essence and the captivating performances that brought the characters to life. He stated, “The Case of Longti Village is a remarkable stage adaptation. Despite limitations, the creative team flawlessly captures the essence of the book. The characters come alive with captivating performances, transporting the audience into the play’s world.”

Alobo Naga expressed admiration for the well-polished play, commending the dedicated production team for their outstanding work in makeup, costume design, and stage direction. He said, “It was inspiring to witness the young talent in Nagaland embracing theatrical art. The well-polished play, with its amazing actors and emotional storytelling, left a lasting impression.”

Rupa Dutta, Assistant Professor at Pranab Women’s College, Dimapur, stated, “The play was represented in such a way that it seemed to portray a slice of our life. The transcreation from the novel to the play was done beautifully. I felt like a part of the play where the actors were addressing the Longti village people.”

Tiakumzuk Aier, Director of Dreamz Unlimited, also shared his insight on his experience, adding, “The play is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the impact of coal mining on a community. The performances by the new actors are compelling, shedding light on the physical and emotional well-being of the villagers. Director Bendang Walling skilfully adapts the book, creating a profound and memorable experience.”

The evening was further enhanced by the presence of renowned art curator and critic Anungla Zoe, who remarked, “Despite the challenges of adaptation, Bendang Walling skilfully condenses the story into an hour-long engaging play. With a talented but inexperienced cast, minimalist props, and imaginative choreography, the production captivates the audience’s imagination. The sincere performances of the actors, shaped by an immersive theatre workshop, showcase the success of their training. This remarkable output signals the promising growth and evolution of theatre in Nagaland, highlighting a bright future for the art form in the region.”

Mokokchung Times