Staging Stories Of History: Remembering M. Biramangol

By:- Soibam Haripriya and Mayanglambam Lokendrajit *

THE EARLY STAGE

If the vibrant Manipuri performing arts tradition provides an unshakeable foundation for the advent of theatre in the state, the visionary acts of early theatre personalities propelled a perennial flow of ideas in times of turmoil.

It was on the day of the festival of lights – Diwali thirty years ago, the great Manipuri theatre personality M. Biramangol breathed his last. And the happy news is that the mournful event did not spell darkness over the valley. Three decades later, we are here to commemorate the colossal contributions of this great son of the soil.

M. Biramangol was born on Friday, the 5th November, 1909. His father, M. Jatra Singh was the Jamadar of the then State Military Police, Manipur. Meisnam Ningol Angangjaobi was his mother. Biramangol married Haobam Ningol Tharosangbi.

Very early in life, he learnt the tricks of theatrical arts from his father M Jatra played the stage role of Gambhir Singh Maharaj in the play "Nar Singh" written by L. Ibungohal Singh. It was staged at the Govindajee Mandap in 1925 under the patronage of the then Maharaj Churachand Singh of Manipur. As his father was also a keen participant in theatrical activities it can be said that Biramangol acquired the same from his father being involved in theatre since the age of 13 years.

ROLES GALORE

M. Biramangol's first role was that of the protagonist in the play "Abhimanyu" (1922), a play produced by Madan Mohan Natya Samaj, Kangabam Leikai. His name figures among the great theatre personalities of his time. His contemporaries include Th. Gokulchandra, H. Iboyaima, Y. Sashimohan, I. Tilak Singh etc.

In 1928, he joined touring drama group Shri Gouranga Natya Mandir. Some of the major roles he enacted include the part of 'Rana' in the play "Mirabai" which was staged in connection with the birth anniversary of Maharaj Churachand Singh at Sana Janamasthan, Keisamthong and the role of 'Amar Singh' in "Mewar Patan".

He was also associated with the establishment of Manipur Dance College. Biramangol along with Lalit Singh led to the establishment of Theatre Centre (1954) in Manipur. In his lifetime, he had acted in more than fifty plays. His performance got due recognition in the form of various awards. His theatrical involvement took a new turn in 1945 when he started scripting plays. He wrote thirty-two plays for the state and twenty for the radio.

The radio plays had been broadcast by the All India Radio, Imphal. His plays mainly based on mythology, folk, history of Manipur and sacred texts (puyas) gave him the unique place of being among the pioneer of historical plays in Manipur. Some of his early plays include - Laman Khumba (1946), Stage (1946), Tikendrajit (1948), Henjunaha (1948), Yaithingkonu (1949), Garibaniwaz-Puya Meithaba (1949).

His later plays include Amina (1976), Khongang Hogaibi (1977), Tangkak Amagi Lila Pareng.

THE SOCIETY AND THE STAGE

M. Biramangol was also the founder member of Aryan Theatre (1935), an institute with which he was fully associated till his death. Aryan theatre was established at the residence of the late Pandit Phurailatpam Atombapu Sharma (1899-1963). Pandit Atombapu was an eminent scholar of Hinduism, Sangeet Natak Akademi award-winner, and first patron of Aryan Theatre.

The irony of the time was that Aryan theatre was established with the strong belief in the civilizational ethos of the Aryan race and propagation of the same by scholars of that phase of history. Despite the nomenclature and administration by feudal-aristocratic elites, the Aryan theatre in Manipur was open was to all who were in pursuit if excellence in performing arts. No wonder then, Biramangol, who was a progressive produced Maxim Gorky`s "Mother" in the 1950s.

The rapid socio-political and economic changes that engulfed Manipur in the 1960s gave birth to new sensibilities that critiqued the overarching state structure. Manipur then witnessed the rise of theatre stalwarts like G. C. Tongbra and Arambam Somorendra. The turmoil of the time fuelled by discontent against government's apathy, commercial exploitation of the people by mainland traders, rise of youth unrest and identity question led to the resurgence of the indigenous spirit.

This spirit was very well reflected in works of an artist like M. Biramangol. His post 1963 works had the distinctive flavour of on stage construction of Meitei oral folk tradition. His versatility in theatre could be seen from his involvement as an actor, playwright, director and also a stage designer.

ACCOLADES

Biramangol directed various plays for the Aryan Theatre. His play Sija Laioibi was staged in the Theatre Week observed by the Theatre Centre in 1955 (26th November). The same play was judged the 'Best Play' at the first Drama Festival organised by the Government of Manipur in the same year.

His other awards include 'Best Playwright' for his play "Garibniwaz" which was staged in the All Manipur Drama Festival organised by the Theatre Centre, Manipur. He received the 'Best Director' award for his plays "Chingu Khongangthaba" and "Kaurav Maithiba" in 1964 and 1968 respectively. The Manipur Sahitya Parishad presented him the title of Natya Visharad (1971).

The Manipur State Kala Akademi also presented the Theatre Award for acting, direction and playwright in 1973. Acknowledging his part in the theatre movement in Manipur he had been honoured by various Theatres prominent among them being the Roopmahal Theatre which has been staging his play "Nupilal" on the anniversary of the second Nupilal uprising since 1974.

Likewise his play "Puya Meithaba" had also been staged by the same theatre from 1991 onwards to mark the event that occurred in 1729. His death anniversary is observed by the Social Dramatic and Cultural Union, Kangabam Leikai by staging several of his plays every year. Indeed the most appropriate way to remember a theatre personality who helped chart the multi layered paths to a resurgent and creative Manipur.

Prominent plays of include M.Biramangol:

1. Laman Khumba (1946)
2. Stage (1946)
3. Lav Kush (1947)
4. Tikendrajit (1948)
5. Henjunaha (1948)
6. Yaithinkonu (1949)
7. Abhimanyu (1949)
8. Sija Laioibi (1949)
9. Charai Rongba (1949)
10. Garibniwaz (Puya Meithaba) (1949)
11. Bhaktaraj (1950)
12. Chandragupta (translated work) (1950)
13. Khamnu (1951)
14. Manipur Leisemba (1951)
15. Pamheiba (1951)
16. Nar Singh (1952)
17. Panthoibi (1955)
18. Maxim Gorky's Ima (1956)
19. Paona (1957)
20. Khamba-Thoibi (1961)
21. Chingu Khongnangthaba –Sanamahi Koki Yaikhaiba (1963)
22. Khwai Kekru (1965)
23. Dharmagi Joy (1970)
24. Nupi Lal (1973)
25. Chingda Satpi (1973)
26. Miyamgi Neta Irabot (1973)
27. Madhabi (1974)
28. Amina (1976)
29. Khongnang Hogaibi (1977)
30. Shoi Gosai (1978)
31. Tangkak Amagi Lila Pareng
32. Radiogi Drama Pareng