Bust of late theatre doyen Kanhailal installed
Artistes a neglected lot: Ratan Thiyam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2022:
Chorus Repertory Theatre Chairman and renowned playwright Ratan Thiyam has remarked that the State Govt has not erected a single bust or sculpture in honour of the scores of artistes from the State despite Manipur being relatively developed in the field of art and culture.
The statement was made at the 81st birth anniversary observance of theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal organised today by Kalakshetra Manipur at their office located at Langol Lai Manai, Lamphel.
As part of the ceremony, a bust of Heisnam Kanhailal was unveiled at the premises of Kalakshetra Manipur by Ratan Thiyam along with the release of National Awardee Yumnam Rajendra's book 'Ima Sabitri' .
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Addressing the gathering, Ratan Thiyam expressed his appreciation for the invaluable contribution of Heisnam Kanhailal to the field of theatre and his impact on society as a whole.
'Despite his death, he continues to live in people's hearts through his art form', he added.
He urged theatre enthusiasts, young and old, to embrace the vast wealth of knowledge and art left behind by the legendary theatre personality and be inspired to put forth their own contributions in this field.
'Heisnam Kanhailal and his wife and theatre associate Sabitri Heisnam are well-known abroad, but in Manipur these are not familiar names outside of theatre circles', he rued.
He asserted that something ought to be done to honour Heisnam Kanhailal's legacy and added that the department concerned must consider taking steps to set up an archive and preserve his plays.
He also stressed on the lack of initiatives to support Heisnam Kanhailal's theatre group Kalakshetra Manipur.
Ratan Thiyam further lamented over the lack of appreciation for art and culture and the belief that only people weak in studies take up theatre and expressed joy with the installation of Heisnam Kanhailal's bust at Kalakshetra Manipur.
This will be inspirational to young theatre enthusiasts, he added.
It may be noted that Wangkhem Gokulchandra, president Kalakshetra Manipur attended as president of the event.