Bharat Rang Mahotsav to kick off in Delhi on Jan 8 with Ratan Thiyam's "Raja"
Source: The Sangai Express / Manipur Info Centre

New Delhi, January 04 2012: The visually beautiful production of Rabindranath Tagore's highly symbolic play, 'The King of Dark Chamber-'Raja' directed by Ratan Thiyam of Chorus Repertory Theatre of Manipur would be the inaugural play of the 14th edition of the 15 day Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the largest theatre festival of Asia to be held in New Delhi at nine different venues namely Shri Ram Centre, LTG, Bahumukh, Sammukh, Kamani, Abhimanch, Meghdoot 1& 2, Meghdoot 3 and Abhilkalp from January 8 to 22 .

As a tribute to Tagore on his 150th birth anniversary, the festival has a focus on his works with 14 productions and 4 Allied events among the 88 plays in the main repertoire and 11 Allied events.

The festival would witness different productions of five theatre directors of Manipur.

Bharat Rang Mahotsav was introduced a decade ago by the National School of Drama to stimulate the growth and development of theatre across the country.

Originally a national festival showcasing the work of the most creative theatre workers in India, it has evolved to international scope, hosting theatre companies from around the world.

Theatre doyen Ratan Thiyam's The King of Dark ChamberRaja in Manipuri will be staged on Jan 8 at 7 pm at Kamani Auditorium.

It's a symbolic as well as allegorical play.

It is not divided into acts and scenes.

This play is a reflection of Tagore's philosophy and the relation between individual and the universe.

NSD Diploma production "Mirage" scripted and directed by Loitongbam Paringanba, an NSD student from Manipur would be staged on Jan 10 at 8.30 pm at Abhimanch.

Paringanba is the son of theatre director Loitongbam Dorendro.

Loika Loikum directed by Goshe Meitei, a renowned balladeer of Manipur is a Manipuri folk play to be staged on 13 January at 6 pm at Bahumukh.

The play is based on legendary Khamba Thoibi epic of Manipur.

Heisnam Tomba's Hungry Stone, an adaptation from the story by Rabindranath Tagore would be staged on 14 January at 4.30 pm at Shri Ram Centre.

The play in Manipuri is weaved into a performance that raises poignant questions.

Ningthouja Deepak's Mythical Surrender written by Budha Chingtham, an eminent theatre critic of Manipur would be staged 17 January at 4.30 pm at Sri Ram Centre.

The Play bagged three awards namely Best Innovative Sound Design: Ningthouja Jayvidya, Best Original Script: Buddha Chingtham and Best Choreographer: Ningthouja Deepak in the Mahendra Excellence in Theatre Awards 2011 selected by the eminent jury members namely Anuradha Kapur, Arundhati Nag, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Neelam Mansingh and Utkarsh Mazumdar.

The play in Manipuri is developed on the backdrop of military combing operations conducted as part of counter insurgency measures in the North Eastern region of the country.

Using symbolic theatrical gestures and movements, the play depicts the pain, violence and cruelty inherent in the existing contemporary situation.

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