SHUMANG
LEELA - ART AND CULTURE
News:
The art of gender-bending
What's
in the news?
●
Manipur's traditional theatre form of
Shumang Leela has continued to inform and entertain down the ages.
Shumang
Leela:
●
It is a traditional form of theatre in
Manipur where the roles of women are all
played by men, called Nupi Shabis.
●
In the case of women's theatre groups, the
roles of men are played by women.
●
The tradition is believed to be descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the
Meitei community of Manipur.
Features:
●
Shumang Leela translates to "courtyard performance". It is performed in an open courtyard
surrounded by spectators on all four sides.
●
The plays serve as a medium to spread awareness among people of social,
political and economic issues.
●
It also discusses moral values, unity and integrity.
Types
of Shumang Leela:
Shumang Leela is of two
types as follows.
Significance:
●
Strengthening the bond of brotherhood and friendship among
various communities in the State.
●
In a society marked by heteronormativity, the gender-bending
nature of Shumang Leela makes it a unique art form that is fraught with
complexity.