Theatre advocate Wareppa Naba no more
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 08 2023:
Renowned theatre personality and promoter of narrative art forms of Manipur Padmashri Wareppa Naba breathed his last at the age of 83 years on Sunday.
The theatre director, who had directed more than 60 Shumang Leela plays, was conferred Padmashri award in 2017 in recognition of his contribution in the field of art and culture.
He was also conferred National Vayoshrestha Saman in 2018 for his contribution in the field of creative art.
Born on October 16, 1941 at Haobam Marak Thingel Ngangom Leikai, Imphal West, Wareppa Naba was the son of a prominent sankirtana artiste and a popular theatre actor of yester-years.
He spent his early life in the field of traditional art and culture under the guidance of his father.
He completed BA Bed and as a student, worked under the guidance of Padmashri H Kanhailal.
He wrote over 20 plays and organised more than 40 theatre workshops during his lifetime.
Till his last moment, he served as director of Theatre Mirror and president of Theatre Centre Manipur, an apex body of theatre groups of the state.
Apart from receiving best actor award three times and best director award 12 times, the renowned theatre personality has in his coffer several awards such as State Kala Akademi Award (1990), Natyashree (2000), Natya Bhushan (2009, 2010), Dr Ambedkar Fellowship Award (2009), Tamapatra (2009) Lifetime Achievement Award (2011) by Theatre Centre Manipur, Natya Ratna Award (2013), Kalakshetra Guru Samman (2013), International Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) given by INFA Kathmandu, Indo-Nepal Friendship Association (INFA) Award (2014), Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) given by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Indian Excellence International Award (2015), Indo-Sri Lanka Friendship International Award (2015), Jananeta Irabot Award (2019) among others.
Expressing grief over his demise, chief minister N Biren prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
"Aggrieved to learn about the demise of Padma Shri Wareppa Naba, who was a renowned theatre personality.
I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family, and pray for the departed soul to rest in peace at the heavenly abode of almighty God," Biren wrote on his social media handles.
United Committee Manipur (UCM), Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL), The Cultural Forum Manipur, Rupmahal Theatre, Manipur Dramatic Union, Writers Forum Imphal, Cultural Workers & Activists' Forum Manipur and artistes of TAPASYA, Singjamei Wangma Pebiya Pandit Leikaigi also condoled the demise of the theatre personality and shared the grief and pain of the bereaved family.