“Kanhailal was an unsung prophet of theatre”

“Kanhailal was an unsung prophet of theatre”

By A Staff Reporter 

IMPHAL | Oct 7

“Heisnam Kanhailal’s theatre is neither national nor international but it’s universal. It is unfortunate that recognition of his contribution in the world of theatre has come too little, too late.”

This was stated by Prof. H.S. Shivprakash of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi while delivering the memorial speech on the occasion of the first commemoration of the theatre exponent, Heisnam Kanhailal at Lamyanba Sanglen here yesterday, organised by Kalakshetra Manipur.

Elaborating on the works of Kanhailal, Prof. Shivprakash said though the former had no proper formal education he was able to create a language of his own. “Kanhailal’s vision was very complex. Sometimes it was difficult for him to express in the language we speak”, he added.

Prof. Shivprakash also pointed out that Kanhailal possessed the quality of a prophetic thinker. “He was not someone who loves to project himself. It was his firm belief that one should rather speak through the body of creative work created”, the professor maintained.

Further he said Kanhailal had so much to teach about theatre and art; however, there were a few to learn.

“He would not hesitate to go into the interior areas of the country to teach theatre. The theatre community of the world, not only of this country, must be grateful to him for planting his seeds of wisdom in many parts of India”, said Prof. Shivprakash.

He lamented that had the book written by Kanhailal, ‘Theatre of the Earth’ been published some 30 years earlier, the name of the latter would be among the world theatre luminaries.

Speaking as the chief guest of the observation, minister for art and culture, L. Jayentakumar said he knows very little about the work of Kalakshetra and Kanhailal.

“But in my brief encounter with uncle Kanhailal when he was alive I could notice that his philosophical outlook was very sharp”, he said.

  1. Sushila, director of art and culture was present at the function as the president.

Later, N. Premchand, Y. Rajendra and U. Rojio presented papers on the life and works of Kanhailal. The session was chaired by Prof. L. Joychandra.

Floral tributes were paid by the dignitaries and invitees to the portrait of Kanhailal as a mark of respect on his first death anniversary.

“Kanhailal was an unsung prophet of theatre”

By A Staff Reporter 

IMPHAL | Oct 7

“Heisnam Kanhailal’s theatre is neither national nor international but it’s universal. It is unfortunate that recognition of his contribution in the world of theatre has come too little, too late.”

This was stated by Prof. H.S. Shivprakash of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi while delivering the memorial speech on the occasion of the first commemoration of the theatre exponent, Heisnam Kanhailal at Lamyanba Sanglen here yesterday, organised by Kalakshetra Manipur.

Elaborating on the works of Kanhailal, Prof. Shivprakash said though the former had no proper formal education he was able to create a language of his own. “Kanhailal’s vision was very complex. Sometimes it was difficult for him to express in the language we speak”, he added.

Prof. Shivprakash also pointed out that Kanhailal possessed the quality of a prophetic thinker. “He was not someone who loves to project himself. It was his firm belief that one should rather speak through the body of creative work created”, the professor maintained.

Further he said Kanhailal had so much to teach about theatre and art; however, there were a few to learn.

“He would not hesitate to go into the interior areas of the country to teach theatre. The theatre community of the world, not only of this country, must be grateful to him for planting his seeds of wisdom in many parts of India”, said Prof. Shivprakash.

He lamented that had the book written by Kanhailal, ‘Theatre of the Earth’ been published some 30 years earlier, the name of the latter would be among the world theatre luminaries.

Speaking as the chief guest of the observation, minister for art and culture, L. Jayentakumar said he knows very little about the work of Kalakshetra and Kanhailal.

“But in my brief encounter with uncle Kanhailal when he was alive I could notice that his philosophical outlook was very sharp”, he said.

  1. Sushila, director of art and culture was present at the function as the president.

Later, N. Premchand, Y. Rajendra and U. Rojio presented papers on the life and works of Kanhailal. The session was chaired by Prof. L. Joychandra.

Floral tributes were paid by the dignitaries and invitees to the portrait of Kanhailal as a mark of respect on his first death anniversary.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4166-kanhailal-was-an-unsung-prophet-of-theatre