An era has ended in the cultural and theatrical history of India. Renowned Manipuri theatre director, writer, poet, and playwright Ratan Thiyam has passed away at the age of 77.
Ratan Thiyam Death: A wave of grief has swept through the world of Indian theatre. Theatre legend and eminent playwright, director, poet, and writer from Manipur, Ratan Thiyam, has passed away at the age of 77. Thiyam, who had been ill for a long time, breathed his last at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur. His demise is a profound loss to Indian culture, theatre, and literature.
An Era of Indian Theatre Ends
Ratan Thiyam was among the few artists who brought Indian traditional arts and philosophy to life on the modern theatre stage. His plays resonated with Indianness and explored the burning questions of contemporary society. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi shared the news of his passing along with his picture, describing him as a unique cultural heritage.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh paid tribute to Ratan Thiyam, stating that the soul of Manipur resided in Thiyam's art. He was not just a theatre artist but a carrier of Manipuri culture. His contribution to Indian theatre is invaluable.
Early Life and Family Background
Ratan Thiyam was born in Manipur in 1948. His father was a renowned artist of Manipuri classical dance. The seed of art was sown in his life from childhood. His inclination towards studies and art drew him to the theatre. He began his creative journey with poetry, painting, and short stories. Later, he also became active as a theatre critic.
However, his true love was the stage. Gradually, he began writing and directing plays himself. His works displayed a deep fusion of Indian tradition, spirituality, and contemporary social issues.
A Key Pillar of the ‘Theatre of Roots’
In the 1970s, when Western influence dominated Indian theatre, Ratan Thiyam gave a new direction to the ‘Theatre of Roots’ movement. The aim of this movement was to revive Indian culture, traditional arts, and philosophy through theatre. He developed a unique style by incorporating Indian myths, Vedas, Upanishads, folklore, and classical music into his plays. The coordination of acting, sound, light, and stage design in his productions gave the audience a wonderful experience.
Memorable Plays and Lasting Impression
Many plays directed by Ratan Thiyam have become timeless classics for theatre lovers. Some of the major plays include:
- Uttar Priyadarshi – Based on the life and introspection of Ashoka, this play is considered among his best works.
- Karnabharam – Focused on the dilemmas and social injustice faced by Karna, a character from the Mahabharata.
- The King of the Dark Chamber – Based on Rabindranath Tagore's work, this play was a metaphor for the search for the soul.
- Imphal Imphal – Presents social and political issues in a local context.
National and International Recognition
Ratan Thiyam was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987. From 2013 to 2017, he also served as the Chairman of the National School of Drama (NSD). During this time, he made many revolutionary changes in theatre education and gave new direction to young theatre artists. He was also awarded the Padma Shri (1989) by the Government of India and many other national and international honors. His productions were appreciated in countries like Japan, Germany, France, and the United States.
The demise of Ratan Thiyam is not just the passing of an individual, but the fall of a pillar of the soul of Indian theatre. The Indian self-awareness that his plays placed on the world stage will continue to inspire future theatre artists. His art, vision, and dedication will be remembered by future generations, and Indian theatre will continue to draw guidance from his legacy.
