) , image = Meitei and Latin transliterations of the terms "Sū-māng Kūm-hei" (Shumang Kumhei) and "Sū-māng Lī-lā" (Shumang Leela).jpg , alt = , caption = Meitei and

Latin transliteration Romanization or romanisation, in linguistics, is the conversion of text from a different writing system to the Roman (Latin) script, or a system for doing so. Methods of romanization include transliteration, for representing written text, and ...

s of the terms "Sū-māng Kūm-hei" (Shumang Kumhei) and "Sū-māng Lī-lā" (Shumang Leela) , writer = , based_on = , director = , music = , lyrics = , choreography = , chorus = , characters = , mute = , setting = , premiere = , place =

Manipur Manipur () ( mni, Kangleipak) is a 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 also borders two regions of Myanm ...

and other

Northeast India , native_name_lang = mni , settlement_type = , image_skyline = , image_alt = , image_caption = , motto = , image_map = Northeast india.png , ...

n states , orig_lang = Meitei (officially called Manipuri) , series = , subject = , genre = , web = Shumang Kumhei ( mni, /sū.máŋ kūm-hə́i/), also known as Shumang Leela (), is a Meitei traditional form of theatre, usually performed in

North East India , native_name_lang = mni , settlement_type = , image_skyline = , image_alt = , image_caption = , motto = , image_map = Northeast india.png , ...

. 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 perform ...

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 (), lite ...

, 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 Shougrakpam Hemanta (born 1969) is an Indian comedian, actor, writer and director, who has worked in various Shumang Kumhei plays and Manipuri films. He is well known for his role of ''Oja Tolhan'' in ''Eegi Mahao'' and his portrayal of the titu ...

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 Sangeet Natak Akademi (The National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama in Englis ...

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 Chinglen Thiyam (1 March 1950 - 18 June 2020) was an actor, comedian, lyricist and director of Shumang Kumhei theatre in Manipur. He had acted in over 100 plays and directed around 20 plays. ''Thiyam'' had also acted in many Manipuri films. He w ...

Iboyaima Khuman Iboyaima Khuman (born 1 March 1953) is a prominent Shumang Kumhei (Courtyard theatre) artist born in Manipur, India. He has been conferred best actor, best director awards in his long journey in Shumang Kumhei, a unique traditional Manipuri Art f ...

Bishesh Huirem Bishesh Huirem is an Indian actress and model from the Meitei ethnicity of Manipur. She is best known for being the first Indian to represent India at the Miss International Queen for Transgender 2016 organised in Pattaya, Thailand. She is the f ...

Gokul Athokpam Gokul Athokpam is an Indian actor who appears in Manipuri films. In addition to films, he has also worked in theatres, and has acted in many ''Shumang Kumhei Shumang Kumhei ( mni, /sū.máŋ kūm-hə́i/), also known as Shumang Leela (), is a ...

Gurumayum Bonny Gurumayum Bonny Sharma is an Indian actor and singer who predominantly appears in Manipuri films. He is famous for movies 'Yaiskul Pakhang Angaoba', 'Beragee Bomb', 'Mr Khadang'. He is a resident of Keishamthong Maning Longjam Leikai, Imphal, ...

* Narendra Ningombam

References

External links

Shumang Kumhei
in Culture of Manipur Meitei cultural plays Meitei language plays Shumang Kumhei Theatre in India {{Theatre-stub

Observance

Notable artists

See also

References

External links