Directed by Yumnam Sadananda ‘Cheitheng’ which literally translates to ‘agony’, is a mime play extracted from an episode of the Hindu epic the ‘Ramayana’. It encapsulates the story of the renowned and mighty ruler, King Dusharatha of Ayodhya and how his fondness for hunting animals through archery led him to commit a heinous crime.
TFM Report
A mime play aptly titled ‘Cheitheng’ of Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory (KMTR) was showcased at the repertory’s theatre hall at Langthabal Kunja, Imphal West on Sunday, September 18. The showcase was jointly organised by KMTR in collaboration with the State’s Art and Culture Department, sponsored by The Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The programme was attended by Commissioner of Art and Culture, M. Joy Singh and Impact TV Chief Editor, Yumnam Rupachandra as Chief Guest and President respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, M. Joy stated that theatrical play is a powerful medium that reflects the feeble nature of the human life cycle. The movements and characters portrayed on stage reminds the audience of the mundane existence each individual lives through everyday, he added.
The Commissioner stated, an individual showing deviant behaviour in society is shunned in Manipur. As such he highlighted the vitality of the theatrical universe as remedial tools to correct and address such deviant nature in the society. M. Joy further lauded KMTR for its relentless effort to preserve and uphold the status of mime theatre in the State.
Meanwhile, giving his presidential speech, Yumnam Rupachandra said, art and artist are reeling under immense pressure to sustain their existence in the State. He remarked that revenue generation remains a looming threat to the existence of various art forms such as films, theatre plays, Shumang Lila.
He added that a defined market with proper marketing and revenue system in the State is the immediate need to ensure the self sustenance of such significant mediums. Rupachandra further sought for the people’s support in developing and curating the various arts.
Directed by Yumnam Sadananda ‘Cheitheng’ which literally translates to ‘agony’, is a mime play extracted from an episode of the Hindu epic the ‘Ramayana’. It encapsulates the story of the renowned and mighty ruler, King Dusharatha of Ayodhya and how his fondness for hunting animals through archery led him to commit a heinous crime.
Even with the mastery of the art of ‘Shavdhavedhan’, he committed the blunder of killing Sharwankumar; the loyal son whose only moral obligation was to serve his blind parents, Shantavan and Gyanvati.
The mime play follows the repercussions Dusharatha had to pay for his momentary blunder and how it haunted him during his unfortunate demise.
It may be mentioned that the play has been approved for showcase at the 37th International Mime Theatre Festival which is going to be held in Germany from 2-6 November. However, KMTR’s interview for the Schengen visa (Europe’s most common visa) application falls on December. As such the repertory urged the External Affairs Minister of State, R.K Ranjan to prepone the interview date in the interest of the State’s art and culture.
Meanwhile, sharing his views after witnessing the play, Renowned ‘Nokphade’ Producer, Ruhinikumar Thoudam said, a proper narration will be needed to make international audiences familiar with the whole plotline of the play. He exuded confidence that the play’s remarkable talents will be able to break through the cultural and the narrative barrier.
He stressed on the need to create a defined market in the State for such peculiar artforms. There is also need to develop sophisticated consciousness among audience by exposing them to such branches of the arts, he added. Ruhinikumar further urged authorities concerned to promote such peculiar arts and support KMTR, which is currently the only professional Mime repertory in the State.