Prospects and challenges before Manipuri theatre


Manipur is a small state with a small market for theatre too. But young people are taking up theatre as a profession with the complete knowledge of its limited prospects, for the sheer love of the art. This way half the battle is won and is a good sign for the theatre in Manipur. This can be clearly seen in the motto of Ratan Thiyam's group-"Only the bread if not butter".

But today Manipuri theatre is well respected because of various excellent productions shown in various parts of the country and the abroad. Manipuri plays, both Shumang lila and stage lila, have been a regular feature in the annual festival of National School of Drama, New Delhi. It is not a mean success for Manipur and for the North East States as a whole.

As for the money involved, troupes are working hard to keep the pace with other media of entertainment, especially cinema. There is commercialization and globalization seeping into Manipuri theatre scenario too. But it is more of 'globalisation' where international themes are indigenized to meet the taste of the fun loving people of Manipur. In the absence of Hindi films in the cinema halls, the prospects of theatre, specially Shumang lila is comforting.

Some of the challenges faced by Shumang lila today are lack of space in city areas which may force it to climb up the forbidden stage; the drive by people to reduce the amount of entertainment; production of film versions of Shumang lila and airing of recordings of the live plays through local channels; no financial help for the actors from the side of government etc. The stage lila also faces financial problems as the plays are not shown regularly and do not have wider audience as compared to Shumang lila. Despite all these challenges the show must go on. And how can we write the preemptive obituary of Manipur theatre when there is no dearth of talents and the fire to excel. So,

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep".