Teisovikuolie Therie with others after the completion of drama production on “The Light at Chozuba.”
Kohima, November 19 (MExN): A drama production entitled “The Light at Chozuba,” under the Production Traditional Folk Theatre Workshop (Children’s Theatre), has been completed under the sponsorship of North East Zone Culture Centre (NEZCC) Dimapur, Government of India and Art & Culture Department, Government of Nagaland in collaboration with Nagaland Theological College, Chozuba.
The drama is inspired by the earliest accounts of the emergence of Christianity in Chozuba village and captures a significant transformational period in the region’s religious and cultural history.
The production was conceptualized with the primary objective of educating the younger generation and the general public on how Christianity first dawned in Chozuba.
It also aims to provide a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage, tribal identity, and the traditions of the forefathers that shaped the early mission era.
Through dramatization, it highlights the sacrifices, challenges, and triumphant moments of both the early missionaries and the local pioneers who embraced the Gospel despite severe opposition and uncertainty.
The drama was developed with the intention to persevere and retell the historical journey of the first evangelists who brought Christianity to Chozuba, to help the viewers appreciate the struggles faced by the early converts, including social rejection, cultural conflicts, and spiritual awakening.
The inaugural programme was held on November 10 at the campus of Nagaland Theological College, Chozuba.
The event was graced by Teisovikuolie Therie, Deputy Director of the Art & Culture Department, Government of Nagaland.
In his address, Therie emphasized the importance of documenting local history and promoting cultural expression through performing arts. He encouraged the participants to use drama as a medium to express identity, faith and community experiences.
He highlighted the various schemes and opportunities offered by the Art and Culture Department and North East Zone Culture Centre, Dimapur to support the talented youth across Nagaland and North East India.
The drama production entered its active phase from November 11 to 14, during which two major scenes were recorded each day.
A total of more than 20 participants took part in the production, including actors, narrator, technical assistants, and production helpers.
Every participant demonstrated dedication and discipline, ensuring that each scene authentically portrayed the historical events.
Some of the key scenes of the Drama includes; the arrival of the early missionaries in the region, the commission of the first two evangelists for Chozuba by Rev Rivensburg, the opposition from certain sections of the community who resisted the new faith, the perseverance of the evangelists as they travelled across the village sharing the Gospel and the establishment and dedication of the first Church at Chozuba.
To maintain realism, the team travelled to the interior parts of Chozuba Village, selecting locations that still have remnants of the old wooden houses of the forefathers, giving depth, authenticity, and cultural richness to the visual production.
The workshop and drama production concluded on November 15 with a formal closing ceremony in the presence of Nagaland Theological College, Principal Vekudu Lohe.
