Former Governor condoles

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 25 : Former Governor Gurbachan Jagat has condoled the demise of Padmashree Ratan Thiyam.
In his message, Gur-bachan Jagat stated that Ratan Thiyam was a pioneer of the 'Theatre of Roots' movement in India and was acknowledged as one of the most influential theatre directors not only in India but globally.
The former Governor said that he still recalls witnessing the premiere show of Ratan Thiyam's play "Ashibagee Eshei" (Dirge of the Dead) and the adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "When We Dead Awaken", and was awed by the seamless incorporation of traditional Mani- puri aesthetics and the artistic use of symbolism.
"It was no doubt a surreal experience," he said and added that the play was staged  at National Theatre's Ibsen Festival in Oslo and at the Theatre Olympiad in Seoul with great success.
Saying that his demise has left a void that will be difficult to fill and herald the end of an era in Indian theatre, he offered his condo- lences to the bereaved family and his associates. He also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Gurbachan Jagat was the 12th Governor (23 July 2008 to 23 July 2013).