This World Theatre Day 2023, as the international theatre community the world over celebrates great theatre artistes of the world and their works, here’s a quick glance at Shumang Leela or Shumang Kumhei – a unique traditional form of theatre of the Meiteis – for which Manipur in Northeast India is well known throughout the world.
Five Fascinating Facts about Shumang Leela
1. Manipur’s Shumang Leela, which also means a courtyard play, is traditionally performed in a structure built with four sides opened in a courtyard.
2. Shumang Leela had its inception in 1895 AD, according to reports. This unique theatre art form of the Meitei community mostly addresses social issues.
3. The roles of both male and females are played by male actors, while the roles of male characters are played by female artists in case of female theatre groups.
4. Shougrakpam Hemanta, who is the lifetime secretary of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, was the first to receive an award for this art form.
5. Shougrakpam Hemanta was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2017 in recognition of his contribution in Shumang Leela.
The origin of World Theatre Day
The World Theatre Day was conceptualised in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), and the first World Theatre Day Message was written by Jean Cocteau in 1962. Ever since, each year an outstanding figure in theatre or a person outstanding in heart and spirit from another field is invited to share his or her reflections on theatre and international harmony during WTD events held annually on March 27 by ITI Centres and the international theatre community across the world. Today, there are over 90 ITI centres.
