Thiyam plans three new plays

IMPHAL, April 7: The Chorus Repertory Theatre of Ratan Thiyam, which completed 25 years today, has till date produced 36 plays. It is now preparing to produce three plays this year. Notable plays produced by the company include Chakravyuha, Karnabharam, Blind Age, Hiroshima, Uttarpriyadarshi and Vietnam. As part of the year long celebrations, the National School of Drama, New Delhi in collaboration with the Chorus Repertory Theatre will organise a national theatre colloquium on "Theatre Economics in India in the last 50 years" at Thiyam's complex, on April 12. Thiyam said the colloquium will discuss problems relating to Indian theatre. Thiyam complained that theatre was neglected by Indian authorities. Theatre personalities were hardly ever considered for the Padma Shree or Padma Bhushan awards, he said. In all these years only four theatre directors have received these honours. "Why are there less awards in theatre in comparison to other mediums like films, music or dance. We want to discuss all these issues in the national theatre colloquium," he said. Many noted playwrights, theatre directors, actors and actresses will be in Imphal to attend Thiyam's function. The director will release a book on Monday.