Shumang Kumhei ( mni, /sū.máŋ kūm-hə́i/), also known as Shumang Leela (), is a Meitei traditional form of theatre, usually performed in
Manipur
Manipur () ( mni, Kangleipak) is a States and territories of India, state in Northeast India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. It is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west. It ...
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North East India
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. The
theatre
Theatre or theater is a collaborative form of performing art that uses live performers, usually actors or actresses, to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place, often a stage. The perfor ...
is arranged in the form of open air from four sides. The roles are all played by male
actors
An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television. The analogous Greek term is (), lit ...
, some dressed as beautiful ladies. The role of male characters are played by female artists in case of female theatre groups.
This traditional theatre form was prevalent since the time of monarchical rule in Manipur. But the proper form of ''Shumang Leela'' had its inception in 1895 A.D.
The present day Shumang Leelas address the issues of moral values, unity and integrity. The fostering of bonds of brotherhood and friendship among various communities in the State is also promoted by the theatre.
In 2017,
Shougrakpam Hemanta was conferred with the prestigious
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (IPA: Saṅgīta Nāṭaka Akādamī Puraskāra), also known as the Akademi Puraskar, is an award given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama. It is the highest Indian recognit ...
in recognition of his contribution in ''Shumang Leela''. With this, he became the first person to receive the award for this art form.
Observance
An annual event, ''Shumang Leela Day'', commemorates the art form. The Iboyaima Shumang Leela Lifetime Achievement Award is presented on this day.
Notable artists
*
Chinglen Thiyam
*
Shougrakpam Hemanta
*
Iboyaima Khuman
*
Bishesh Huirem
*
Gokul Athokpam
*
Gurumayum Bonny
* Narendra Ningombam
See also
*
List of Shumang Kumhei artists
References
External links
Shumang Kumheiin
Culture of Manipur
Meitei cultural plays
Meitei language plays
Shumang Kumhei
Theatre in India
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