Pyongyang, May 22 (KCNA) -- The National Theatrical Troupe marked its 80th founding anniversary.

President Kim Il Sung, who provided the precious tradition of the Juche-oriented theatrical art during the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle, founded the troupe on May 22, 1946 and had taken care of its artistes' work and life with parental affection, guiding them to produce the artistic works suited to the ideological feelings and cultural and emotional needs of the Korean people in each period of the developing revolution.

Chairman Kim Jong Il authored many famous works including "On the Art of the Drama" to provide important guidelines to be adhered to in developing the Juche-oriented theatrical art and ushered in a brilliant heyday of the theatrical art with his energetic leadership.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un put forward the National Theatrical Troupe as a prestigious art organization representing the theatrical art of the country and gave deep love and trust to its creators and artistes.

A meeting to mark the anniversary was held at the National Theatre on May 21.

Present there were officials concerned and officials, creators, artistes, persons of merit, teachers, researchers and students in the fields of stage art and art education including the National Theatrical Troupe.

Kil Ung Chol, head of the troupe, made a commemorative report. -0-