Akashvani Sumang Leela Festival, 2012
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 07 2012:
In spite of the 'most popular performing art form' tag attached to it, Shumang Leela is losing touch with the common people in the wake of commercialization of
the art form.
Earlier, Shumang Leelas were performed at the courtyard of private houses to commemorate any important events in the family and people could see and enjoy these plays.
But with the cost involved in production of Shumang Leela plays increasing down the years, people hardly get the chance to enjoy such plays these days without paying for the tickets.
Taking serious note of the matter and to give back what is due to the people, All India Radio (AIR), Imphal is all set to organize a 10-day-long Akashvani Shumang Leela Festival, 2012 starting from January 10 at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here.
Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao in connection with the festival, ASD- AIR, Imphal Moirangthem Kanankumar pointed out that with exception to some Shumang Leela productions under the sponsorship of Manipur AIDS Control Society to spread the message of HIV/AIDS prevention or the performances staged.
with sponsorship by Ministers/MLAs, one hardly gets an opportunity to see and enjoy Shumang Leela plays now-a-days.
Taking this into consideration, AIR Imphal has thought of organising the Akasvani Sumang Leela Festival, 2012 so that the people get the chance to see and enjoy their favourite Shumang Leela plays free of cost and at the same to record these plays for radio broadcast.
Kanankumar explained that it is the first ever festival of Shumang Leela that AIR would be organizing under the Prime Minister's Special Package for North East.
Under Prime Minister's Special Package, AIR had earlier organized festival on tribal music/folklores and many musical concerts.
He informed that in all, 10 popular Shumang Leelas including two plays by women groups would be participating in the festival.
The plays are Sanagi Ching of Sanaleibak Nachom Artistes' Association on January 10, Ahuba Lan of Lamjingba Artistes' Association on January 11, Miss World of Imphal Jatra Association on January 13, Dharmagi Langtai of Tomthin Artistes' Association on January 13, Chainapung of Sagolband Moirang Leirak Meiteileima Jatra cum Drama Association and Eidi Lamlanbani of North Imphal Manipur Jatra Mandal on January 14, Nungshi Keidano of Naharol Khongthang Artistes' Association on January 17, Kanagee Maralno of Dedicated World Artistes' Association on January 18, Lei Langba of Imphal Theatre Association and Laibakta Hangli of Sangai Artistes' Association on January 19 .
With exception to performances on January 14 and 19 which would commence from 1 pm, performance on rest of the festival days would begin from 2 pm.
Entry to the festival would be free and there would be no ticket system.
The festival would be inaugurated by Commissioner of Art and Culture Dr RK Nimai Singh on January 10 .