From the pages of Manipuri drama Elangbam Joychandra, an eminent and pioneer touring dramatist

Dr BC Rajkumar *

Today the Manipuri drama is widely acknowledged in other parts of India and abroad particularly in the United Kingdom, the USA and France. Many dramatis personae and parties or unions of Manipur theatres have contributed immensely in bringing about what it is today, and thus enriched the art and culture of Manipur. While entertaining, the social reality of life is revealed in the drama and speaks the relevant people's perceptions of its time by largely associating with its own customs and tradition.

The art of drama germinated in the fertile minds of the Manipuri as early as 1817, when the drama 'Ram Lila' was started under the aegis of Maharaja Bhagyachandra as some form of entertainment. Thereafter, the subsequent rulers patronized many plays including 'Prahalad Charita' at the palace during Churachand Maharaja, thus started unfolding the inherent talents and flourished.

In its formative stage, the dramas were based on Bengali novels and stories, then translation from Bengali to Manipuri, and later on completely on Manipuri with the introduction of Manipuri songs at the appropriate sequence of the drama.

In the contemporary world of drama late Shri Heisnam Kanhailal and Shri Ratan Thiyam, the renowned theatre personalities, have established their names and find new ways of theatrical expressions. The transformation to such momentous landmark in the world of theatre of our time has been the consistent effort and dedication by the successive Manipuri drama exponents. These creative minds excel with intellectual appeal.

The development of dramatic activities in Manipur has been largely the collective efforts and leadership with a vision of some dramatists, well-wishers and formation of theatres, parties or unions. The establishment of Ramacharan Bandhav Natya Sala as early as 1903 was just the beginning, followed by Friends' Dramatic Union and Victoria Club drama all at Bapupara.

The Yaiskul Nupimacha School Drama Party, the first drama Party started by the local Manipuri, later on changed the name to Meitei Dramatic Union (1931), then to Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) (1937).

To name some of the other drama theatres are -
Aryan Theatre (1935),
Chitrangada Natya Mandir (1936),
Revolutionary Theatre (1939),
Rupmahal Theatre (1943)
National Theatre (1945),
Kathokpa Union (1945),
National Training Drama Party (1949),
Modern Theatre (1950) changed to Society Theatre (1955),
Society Theatre (1955),
Cosmopolitan Dramatic Union (1965),
Kalakshetra (1969),
Chorus Repertory Theatre (1976),
Theatre Mirror Dramatic Union and
Royal Theatrical Club (1978).

They all have contributed to the creative world of Manipuri drama.

Each one of these eminent dramatists and parties or unions has distinct vision and creative approach, and contributes differently. Shri Elangbam Joychandra, as an exponent dramatist, script writer, director, lyrist and composer of songs of his drama, is one such personality, having his own style and approach attune to his creative mind.

He was born in 1927, started the National Training Drama Party in 1949 under his able leadership and patronage, fondly known as "Joy drama". Later on it was changed to Manipur Artist Touring Drama Party. It was his childhood passion and love for the theatre that has led him drama to be his lifelong profession and companion. His childhood dream was fulfilled when he could establish his own drama party.

Unlike others his vision and approach was different - to reach out the people at far places by touring his drama party in different places of Manipur and outside where the Manipuri diasporas settled. Thus, comparatively he had larger viewers from different walks of life. The party does not have any permanent hall. His plays were largely shown during the festivals such as Holi, Deepawali, Ningolchakouba, etc, by making stages in open fields, mandaps, halls, etc.

The themes of his dramas are mainly based on the Manipuri situations, events, history plays or writings. All these he could contribute, though he was differently abled (orthopaedically) since early age, and limited his movement. But this did not deter him rather moved and toured his drama party to far places of Manipur and Assam.

He could come over this by share of his hard work, determination and love of this creative art. He himself has written his dramas, directed and composed all the songs. "Joy drama" party is the first of its kind from Manipur, showing drama on tour under his leadership.

Some of his outstanding dramas are Khanguthakki Chekla, Punsi Pamel, Sagaigi Mou, Sarat Chandni, BA Lamja, Pongi Chekla, Phijigi lan and Basanta Purnima. Many of these dramas won many laurels in All Manipur Drama Festivals. People fondly remember his dramas. Each drama stole the spectators' hearts and had memorable impact in their minds that won't ever die. There were numerous impresarios in many clubs and localities, keen to organize and always look forward.

At this age of electronic world, these creative people struggle to survive. They need to be encouraged and nourished. Computers can do wonders in this modern world, but creativity is bestowed to only few human beings.

Heisnam Kanhailal, the director, playwright, philosopher and creator of Experimental Manipuri Theatre, passed away recently at the age of 75. With the lost of a legend, we have also lost forever his experience, skill and wisdom on the art of drama. Though some of the legends are ageing, fortunately they are still capable of creating wonders.

Shri Joychandra and some of renowned personalities are still with us. Will it not be wise to learn, seek advice, question, explore and gather about drama as much as they could share during their lifetime? They posses rare talent to find. It should not be allowed to bury in the sands of time. Otherwise it will be just remorse, nothing else.