Lamka, March 11, 2010: Based on the struggle of Irom Sharmila, who has been on a fast unto death agitation for more than 9 years now demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, the play, Mirel Masingkha (The will of soul) of Kanglei Mime Repertory, Imphal has swept the 5th Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META), 2010 in two different categories.

Mirel Masingkha won the best script as well as the best sound design awards in the theatrical gala event held at Kamani auditorium and Shri Ram Centre, New Delhi from March 2 to 6. The award winning play is penned by Dr Yumnam Sadananda, who is also the dir-ector of Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory.

The award of the best sound design is bagged by Inaocha Sharma.

Talking to mediapersons in this connection at his Yumnam Leikai Lairembi Maning Pukhri Mapal residence here today, Dr Sadananda described winning of two awards in different categories by a mime play like Mirel Masingkha is a great achievement in the history of theatrical movement of Manipur.

The play is based on the struggle of Irom Sharmila who has been launching a fast unto death agitation for over nine years demanding repealing of AFSPA under which the security forces have been abusing their power and committing atrocities on the people with impunity.

So, the award of best script given to the play is a testimony to the recognition of the struggle of Sharmila and the suffering of the people in Manipur, Dr Sadananda said.

On the plot and characterisation of Mirel Mashingkha, Dr Sadananda explained 25 artistes are performing in the hour-long play.

Out of them two main artists who could neither speak nor hear have been used and they have done their job very well, thus convincing the audiences that deaf and dumb can also exhibit their artistic talent to the hilt.

The best script award comprises cash reward of Rs 75,000 and a trophy and the best sound design award a cash reward of Rs 35,000 and a trophy.

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