N. Amarjeet
Ashalata Gi Hikchang (Ashalata’ body) a play of Banian Repertory theatre, Imphal directed by MC Thoiba and written by M.C. Arun was shown at NT theatre as part of a theatre festival on Feb 15 last.
A short function was held prior to the play with IS Kangjam as Chief Guest. He commended the organizers for making the festival an annual event. Presiding over the function, Buddha Chingtham said the MC Thoiba, MC Arun combo is well matched for both persons echo similar ideology and thinking. He described the Banian Repertory as one of the most vibrant theatre group which has successfully produced plays regularly.
The play revolves around present day Manipur and often repeated clashes over dead bodies. The abnormal spiritual and political journey of a human body whose soul has untimely left it due to clashes between established state and non state forces is the main theme of the play.
The life of the play is the artistry of the debate between the conflicting or opposing parties . Well supported by amazing sound and visual works thought provoking, soul searching queries flung around like sharp arrows from beginning till end of the play. As the play progressed present day Manipur embroiled in a political clash was showcased in the most exalted platform of theatrical works. The words coming out from the actors of the play were words coined by urgency , war and conflict. Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is different from other spiritual works as it emerged out of urgency and it did not find roots in the caves or deep jungle.
Absence of microphones sometimes snatches away the heat of the debate in such play yet the actors matched up the expectations of the political challenge, people’s expectations by their awe inspiring performances. When the stage was full it was a theatrical journey beyond comparison as each actor was embodiment of perfection. When a solitary actor performed it was another moment of joy. The play shows that every phase of life throws up different challenges and we humans keep faith in different ideologies and main emphasis is given in the second half of the 20th century when Manipur entered a different political map.
Amidst the killings, there is also a rage to strive for peace, each opposing parties believe in different approaches to attain the ultimate goal that is peace. The ever eluding peace for now remains tethered unseen, unexplained. The politically tyranny that has disturbed both the living and non living world can not be better explained or shown. Suffering of those who have died, we do not know but the play shows the ordeals of their near ones. Ashalata’s Body is a masterpiece both literally and artistically. Banian Repertory has many plays to its credit and many are highly acclaimed. What makes this play of the theatre house outstanding is the affinity of the play with the common people. It stands out as a lone voice of the people trapped in the never ending conflict.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ashalata-gi-hakchang-a-play-depicting-contemporary-manipur/
