Latest news with #Chakravyuha
New Indian Express
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Manipur, his tortured, mesmerising muse
The one engagement of the many that I had with Ratan Thiyam that had history revolving around it was on October 30, 1984. I recall sitting with Ratan at a shoddy restaurant in Bhubaneswar, as we together translated into English his song 'Dharamkshetra Kurukshetra', sung at the close of the prologue by the flagbearers in his play Chakravyuha, now considered a classic of modern Indian theatre. The play was scheduled to be staged the next evening at an East Zone Theatre Festival sponsored by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. I was part of a national jury asked to select from the lot one play, or maybe a couple at the most, for a national festival of young directors to be held at New Delhi a few months later. The performance needed a synopsis in English for the viewers, none of whom knew a word of Meiteilon (or Manipuri), a language that belongs to the Tibeto-Burman group and is radically different from the languages in the Indian mainstream. What else was radically different? The visuals: Ratan was an excellent painter and designer in his own right. The soundscape: with the dominance of cymbals, conch shells, and the single-string Manipuri lute pena. The rich dance movements: the delicate, slow movements of the Vaishnava raasa woven together (and clashing at the same time) with the rhythmed violence of the Kuki-Zo martial practices. This complex presentation mode also told a complex story, reinterpreting the Hindu epic in a way that could not be conveyed in a summary of tight, compressed verbal text. Ratan had suggested that a translation of that one song, sung by the flagbearers in a war scene, could convey something of the complexity of meaning—for, at the end of it all, the play bodied forth and meant Manipur, as it was then (and worse now).
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Legendary theatre director Ratan Thiyam dies at 77, leaving behind a transformative legacy
Ratan Thiyam, Padma Shri awardee and visionary director, passed away early Wednesday in Imphal at the age of 77. A pioneer of the 'theatre of roots' movement, he founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in 1976 and served as director and chairman of the National School of Drama. Thiyam's groundbreaking productions like 'Chakravyuha', 'Urubhangam' which blended Manipuri indigenous forms with classical and contemporary techniques, revolutionized Indian stagecraft and earned him national and international acclaim. His multi-disciplinary mastery—spanning direction, design, choreography, and music—reshaped modern theatre. Tributes have poured in from cultural figures, state leaders from Manipur, and Meghalaya and artists across India. This loss marks the end of an era, but Thiyam's bold vision and artistic rigor will continue to inspire future generations. Read More
NDTV
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Theatre Doyen Ratan Thiyam Dies At 77 In Manipur After Long Battle With Post-Covid Complications
Ratan Thiyam, an Indian playwright and former National School of Drama director, died on early Wednesday morning at around 1.30 am at RIMS Hospital in Imphal, Manipur, after a prolonged battle with post-COVID health complications. He was 77. The renowned Manipuri playwright and director was one of the towering figures of the Indian theatre circuit. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour in the country, in 1989. A pioneer of the "theatre of roots" movement, Ratan Thiyam's masterpieces such as Chakravyuha and Uttar Priyadarshi masterfully blended ancient Indian traditions with modern narratives, earning global acclaim. Ratan Thiyam also served as head of the National School of Drama before focusing on his own theatre, the Chorus Repertory Theatre, founded in 1976, transforming Manipur into a cultural hub. His socially and politically charged plays reflected the rich Manipur's cultural heritage, captivating audiences worldwide with this grand visual style. In 2024, Manipur honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the tributes for Ratan Thiyam, calling him "a revered son of Manipur" "It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world of theatre but also our very identity. His work carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its stories, its struggles, and its beauty. It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world… — N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 23, 2025 "May his soul rest in peace and his spirit continue to live on in the works he leaves behind and in the countless lives he inspired. May we all find strength in remembering his immense contributions to our cultural landscape," the Chief Minister wrote in an X post alongside an old photo with Ratan Thiyam. To allow relatives, friends, and fans to pay their last respects to Ratan Thiyam, a floral tribute has been arranged at the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal, following his final rites which will be performed according to Hindu traditions. Ratan Thiyam's death leaves a void in the world of theatre, but his timeless works will ensure that his spirit endures with his legacy continuing to inspire generations.
India.com
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Veteran Theatre Legend Ratan Thiyam Passes Away At 77: Former Manipur CM Biren Singh, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Among Others Mourn Demise
New Delhi: Renowned theatre artist Ratan Thiyam, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, passed away at the age of 77 on Wednesday morning. He breathed his last at 1:30 am at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. Thiyam was one of the pioneers behind the 'Theatre of Roots' movement in Indian theatre, which began in the 1970s. Fondly known as Thiyam Nemai, he was celebrated for incorporating ancient Indian theatre traditions and forms into a contemporary context through his writings. Besides being a playwright and director, he was also a painter and dabbled in writing and music. RIP Ratan Thiyam: Condolences Pour In Tributes have poured in from across the country, with admirers and institutions paying respects to the theatre maestro. The Sahitya Akademi, through its official handle on X , wrote: 'Sad to know that a very distinguished playwright, director, writer, scholar, leading personality of the 'Theatre of Roots' and founder of Chorus Repertory Theatre, Sri Ratan Thiyam has passed away. He was one of the few directors who popularized ancient Indian traditions and touched millions of hearts through his works. His plays have been staged as well as adapted across the world. He will be missed in Indian performance and literary circles.' Sad to know that a very distinguished playwright, director, writer, scholar, leading personality of "Theatre of Roots" and founder of Chorus Repertory Theatre, Sri Ratan Thiyam has passed away. He was one of the few directors who popularized ancient Indian traditions & touched… — Sahitya Akademi (@sahityaakademi) July 23, 2025 All India Radio (AIR) also extended condolences on X: 'Globally acclaimed theatre personality Ratan Thiyam has passed away. He is known for his direction in internationally acclaimed dramas like Chakravyuha, Uttar Priyadarshi, Hey Nungshibi Prithivi, and Chinglon Mapan Tampak Ama.' Globally acclaimed Theatre personality Ratan Thiyam has passes away. Ratan Thiyam is known for his direction in the internally acclaimed dramas like "Chakrabvyuha", "Uttar Priyadarshi", "Hey Nungshibi Prithivi", "Chinglon Mapan Tampak ama". He was honoured with Fringe First… — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 23, 2025 He was honoured with the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1987 for his play Chakravyuha. Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongkal Sangma, expressed his grief: 'Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a visionary who redefined Indian theatre by blending contemporary form with the cultural soul of Manipur. Through his art, he not only elevated the cultural identity of his homeland but left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian performing arts. Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam , a visionary who redefined Indian theatre by blending contemporary form with the cultural soul of Manipur. Through his art, he not only elevated the cultural identity of his homeland but left an indelible mark on the landscape… — Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) July 23, 2025 Heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who admired his art. May he rest in peace.' Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, also paid tribute, calling him: 'A leading light of the Theatre of Roots movement.' He added: 'Shri Ratan Thiyam dedicated his life to bringing indigenous theatre and art practices to the global stage. A Padma awardee, his productions were rich in both talent and messaging. He was a brilliant ambassador of the rich culture of Manipur and the Northeast and was able to use art as a vehicle to convey people's emotions and aspirations. A leading light of the Theatre for Roots movement, Shri Ratan Thiyam dedicated his life to bring indigenous theatre and art practices to the global stage. A Padma awardee , his productions were rich in both talent and messaging. He was a brilliant ambassador of the rich culture… — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 23, 2025 My deepest condolences on his demise.' Former Chief Minister of Manipur, Biren Singh offered his heartfelt condolences: 'It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world of theatre but also our very identity. His work carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its stories, its struggles, and its beauty. It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world… — N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 23, 2025 May his soul rest in peace and his spirit continue to live on in the works he leaves behind and in the countless lives he inspired.' The Sangeet Natak Akademi also issued a statement: 'Sangeet Natak Akademi mourns the passing of Ratan Thiyam — legendary playwright, theatre director, and Akademi Fellow. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his legacy live on.' Sangeet Natak Akademi mourns the passing of Ratan Thiyam — legendary playwright, theatre director, and Akademi Fellow. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his legacy live on.#SangeetNatakAkademi #Theatre #Culture #RatanThiyam — Sangeet Natak Akademi (@sangeetnatak) July 23, 2025 Ratan Thiyam's Prolific Legacy Ratan Thiyam served as the Chairperson of the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) from 2013 to 2017. Prior to this, he was Vice-Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. In 1976, he founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre on the outskirts of Imphal, Manipur. His accolades include: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Direction (1987) Padma Shri (1989) Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2012) Several national and international honours for his outstanding contributions to theatre Ratan Thiyam's legacy will continue to shape and inspire generations of artists and theatre lovers across the world.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Manipur theatre personality Ratan Thiyam passes away
Manipur's noted theatre personality Ratan Thiyam, one of the pioneers of the Theatre of Roots movement in India, passed away in Imphal on early Wednesday (July 23, 2025) morning. He was 77. The late Thiyam was known globally for writing and staging plays that used ancient Indian theatrical traditions with modern themes. The infusion of Manipuri art forms gave his plays such as Chakravyuha and Ritusamharam a distinctive flavour. Also Read | Drama in the time of bigotry: theatre director and poet Ratan Thiyam Awarded the Padma Shri in 1989, he served as the vice-chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi before a five-year stint as the chairperson of the National School of Drama. Former Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh was among several leaders who mourned the passing of one of the country's leading contemporary theatre gurus. 'It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world of theatre but also our very identity,' Mr Singh posted on X. Also Read | Bringing Adivasi's art to centrestage He said the work of Thiyam carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its stories, its struggles, and its beauty. Manipur Bharatiya Janata Party president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi also mourned the demise. 'A towering figure in the world of theatre, he was the only individual from the region to have held the prestigious position of Director at the National School of Drama. Recipient of numerous accolades... Thiyam's contribution to art, culture, and literature will forever be remembered,' she wrote on X, conveying her condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the artistic fraternity on behalf of her party. Nagaland BJP leader Mmhonlumo Kikon said the late Thiyam was the Eugène Ionesco of India, and he left behind a 'legacy which is difficult to fill.'
