`Shumang Leela dying in Manipur`

IMPHAL, Feb 3 : "With the coming up of digital technology, the traditional form of performing art (Shumang Leela) is dying in the present society of Manipur," said Dr. Ratan Thiyam, Padmashri and renowned theatre personality.

While speaking at the inaugural function of the 37th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival, 2009 today at the Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound in Imphal east organised by the Manipur State Kala Akademi, Dr. Ratan Thiyam said that the festival was held in order to uplift and promote the awareness of Shumang Leela among the common masses.

He further said that in a state like Manipur survival as an artist was not an easy job. Patronage from both public and government has to be developed in a systematic way and there is need to set up institutions to save the tradition from vanishing.

Gurbachan Jagat, Governor of Manipur and chairman, Manipur State Kala Akademi who graced the function, said that Shumang Leela was one of the most important forms of Manipur courtyard theatre which is as popular as Jatia of Bengal, Tamasha of Maharashtra, Bhavai of Madhya Pradesh and Nautanki of Uttar Pradesh.

The story of Moirang, the immortal love story of Khamba Thoibi and historical events of Manipur are also staged by the Shumang Leelas in the form of Moirang Parva. Before the introduction of proscenium theatre in 1902, Shumang Leela played the role of theatre in Manipur. Its impact on the minds of the masses irrespective of the generation was such that it is difficult to separate Shumang Leela from Manipuri socio cultural scene.

The Governor also released the Akademi`s quarterly journal on "Manipuri Shumang Leela" and prizes of the previous 36th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival, 2008 were also distributed.

Loitongbam Dorendro, playwright and director who got the best production award for Khamba Thoibi expressed to IFP that though Moirang Parva falls within Shumang Leela there should be separate entity for Moirang Parva and Shumang Leela.

He further added that with the digital technology coming up, the demand for Shumang Leela has decreased, so in order to keep our tradition alive support from both the government and masses is needed.