'Contributions to native theatre will live on forever'
SOREPA pays fitting tributes to Wareppa Naba
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 09 2023:
The Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA) Kangleipak has condoled the demise of well-known theatre and Shumang Kumhei exponent Wareppa Naba on January 8.The SOREPA has also conveyed solidarity to the bereaved family, friends, relatives, theatre and Shumang Kumhei artistes and all other people who have been mourning the demise of Oja Wareppa Naba.
Wareppa Naba, born on October 16, 1941 at Haobam Marak Thingel Ngangom Leikai, was a pioneer of students' movement in the State, said a press release issued by SOREPA publicity secretary MC Yaiphabi.
When artificial food scarcity struck Manipur in 1965 due to the alleged neo-colonial India's faulty policies, a united movement of students emerged in the State and Wareppa Naba took leading roles in the movement, it said.
Wareppa Naba was one of the leaders of the student movement between 1965 and 1969.Later, under the guidance of modern theatre pioneer Heisnam Kanhailal, Wareppa Naba dedicated his life to re-defining theatre.
He also took leading roles in identifying Manipuri people before the whole world through theatre and Shumang Kumhei.
Wareppa Naba, who was decorated with many awards including the best director award both within the country and outside, was a pioneer of native theatre, SOREPA said.
He was a pioneer and master of native theatre which is based on Moirang Kangleirol, Pena, Khunung Esei, Lai Haraoba, Wari Liba (narrative arts) and traditional dance and music of the indigenous communities of Manipur, it continued.
Wareppa Naba's theatre group staged aplay in 1988-89 based on the satirical statements published under Poknapham daily's 'Kanana Haijillibano' column.
The play not only evoked laughter but also some serious thoughts and new ideas, the outfit remarked.
Some well-known plays of Wareppa Naba which evoked new thoughts and ideas are 'Sri Tomba amasung Kei', 'Chithi Puba Uchek', 'Sri Leikhridraba Tomba', 'Charamnaraba Thoudunung' and 'Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba', the outfit listed.
With the demise of Wareppa Naba, many of his students and followers have been virtually left orphaned, the outfit remarked.
It went on to claim that many youngsters who- grew up under the tutelage of Wareppa Naba are now taking active part in the revolutionary movement.
Even though Wareppa Naba is no more, his thoughts and contributions to the field of native theatre will live on for eternity, it added.