Kokborok Drama
Encyclopedia
Drama was brought into the Kokborok speaking population by the Yatra
(Jatra) performers of Bengal
. The rulers of Independent Tripura
were the first to present and perform drama
in Tripura
. Though in the beginning the presentations of yatras (jatras) were limited to the Royal Compound
, in course of time it came out of the royal compound and mass people also began to enjoy it and join it.
Movement (1945-late 50's). "Agiya Chalo" written by Sudhanya Debbarma was the first drama in Kokborok.
After "Agiye Chalo" "Lamani Homchang" was presented in 1973 by the Kokborok Sahitya Sabha
, written and directed by Alindab Tripura. In the middle 70's many groups came to present theatre using modern style, sound and music , etc. "Thwi Phuta" was one of the popular ones during this time, as also "Somaj Kiphildi" and "Yamorok". Hemanta Jamatia, a renowned musician and actor became very popular at this time due to his acting in "Thwi Phuta" and has also been awarded by the Sahitya Academy.
in 1983. They also organised a Kokborok Drama Festival from 1988 and exposed many groups and talented artists to the audience. Some of the groups have been awarded at the national level in India
. Kokborok Sahitya Sabha
also presented a drama "Kwplai" by Nanda Kumar Debbarma at Tezpur
, Assam
in 1989.
"Lampra" another theatre group started productions in 90's with the most attractive "Chamari Ompa" Lampra won first prize in Yatra Utsav 1995 with the marvellous production "Chethuang", based on a popular Kokborok folk tale. "Tiyari Drama and Cultural Centre" won second prize in 1996 with "Khumpui". Since then they have produced many popular plays like "Swkal", "Kuchuk Kherembar", "Kuchuk Ha-Sikam" etc. Rubi Debbarma is the pioneer and organising personality of Tiyari.
"Sampili Theatre Centre" formed in 1997 has presented excellent dramas in this short period, including tele-serials such as "Rung", "Imangni Bwsarok", "Longtoraini Eklobyo". All these above mentioned groups are based in Agartala the capital city. Others such as "Khorang" of Mandai
, "Dugmali Cultural troupes" of Abhichoran Bazaar are also leading groups.
Bubar, Mukunne, Kokkisa, Koktanghai, Mari, Randijwkma, Sikhok, Reg-Swnam, Bolongni Muktarwi Sarao, Koktun Khotalbai, Kwplai, Kantomoni, Imangni Bwsarok, Shehi Bukhukswk Ha, Nuai, Rung, Sundurjak, Yapiri, Dogar, Longtoraini Eklobyo, Bwsak Kaisao, Da-kuphur, Chobani Swkang, Swkango Choba, Kotor Buma-Bwsa
Yatra
' , in Hinduism and other Indian religions, generally means pilgrimage to holy places such as confluences of sacred rivers, places associated with Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and other sacred pilgrimage sites. Tīrtha-yātrā refers to a pilgrimage to a holy site, and is...
(Jatra) performers of Bengal
Bengal
Bengal is a historical and geographical region in the northeast region of the Indian Subcontinent at the apex of the Bay of Bengal. Today, it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, although some regions of the previous...
. The rulers of Independent Tripura
Tripura
Tripura is a state in North-East India, with an area of . It is the third smallest state of India, according to area. Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on the north, south, and west. The Indian states of Assam and Mizoram lie to the east. The capital is Agartala and the main languages spoken are...
were the first to present and perform drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
in Tripura
Tripura
Tripura is a state in North-East India, with an area of . It is the third smallest state of India, according to area. Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on the north, south, and west. The Indian states of Assam and Mizoram lie to the east. The capital is Agartala and the main languages spoken are...
. Though in the beginning the presentations of yatras (jatras) were limited to the Royal Compound
Ujjayanta Palace
Ujjayanta Palace is a former royal palace situated in Agartala, the capital of the Indian state of Tripura, and currently serves as the meeting place of the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Ujjayanta Palace is a tourist attraction of Agartala, and tours are conducted by the Tripura Tourism Department...
, in course of time it came out of the royal compound and mass people also began to enjoy it and join it.
History
Having the basic foundation to perform in the open air theatre Kokborok speaking people came to compose and present drama in their language during the period of the Tripura Janasiksha SamitiTripura Janasiksha Samiti
On 27 December 1945 AD the "Tripura Janasiksha Samiti" came into being at Durgachoudhury Para under the Jirania Block. This organisation was established by some enlightened Tripuri youths with an avowed object to set up schools and spread education among the children of the down-trodden Tripuri's...
Movement (1945-late 50's). "Agiya Chalo" written by Sudhanya Debbarma was the first drama in Kokborok.
After "Agiye Chalo" "Lamani Homchang" was presented in 1973 by the Kokborok Sahitya Sabha
Kokborok Sahitya Sabha
Kokborok Sahitya Sabha was formed on 8 October 1972, under the leadership of Lt. Alindralal Tripura. Since then, KBSS has been working for the development of Kokborok language of Tripura ....
, written and directed by Alindab Tripura. In the middle 70's many groups came to present theatre using modern style, sound and music , etc. "Thwi Phuta" was one of the popular ones during this time, as also "Somaj Kiphildi" and "Yamorok". Hemanta Jamatia, a renowned musician and actor became very popular at this time due to his acting in "Thwi Phuta" and has also been awarded by the Sahitya Academy.
Modern Drama
"Nobar Domsani Kothoma" composed by Nanda Kumar Debbarma was presented by Kokborok Sahitya SabhaKokborok Sahitya Sabha
Kokborok Sahitya Sabha was formed on 8 October 1972, under the leadership of Lt. Alindralal Tripura. Since then, KBSS has been working for the development of Kokborok language of Tripura ....
in 1983. They also organised a Kokborok Drama Festival from 1988 and exposed many groups and talented artists to the audience. Some of the groups have been awarded at the national level in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Kokborok Sahitya Sabha
Kokborok Sahitya Sabha
Kokborok Sahitya Sabha was formed on 8 October 1972, under the leadership of Lt. Alindralal Tripura. Since then, KBSS has been working for the development of Kokborok language of Tripura ....
also presented a drama "Kwplai" by Nanda Kumar Debbarma at Tezpur
Tezpur
Tezpur is a city and the administrative headquarters and municipal board of Sonitpur district in the state of Assam in northeastern India. Tezpur is an ancient city on the banks of the river Brahmaputra and is the largest of the north bank towns with a population exceeding 100,000...
, Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
in 1989.
"Lampra" another theatre group started productions in 90's with the most attractive "Chamari Ompa" Lampra won first prize in Yatra Utsav 1995 with the marvellous production "Chethuang", based on a popular Kokborok folk tale. "Tiyari Drama and Cultural Centre" won second prize in 1996 with "Khumpui". Since then they have produced many popular plays like "Swkal", "Kuchuk Kherembar", "Kuchuk Ha-Sikam" etc. Rubi Debbarma is the pioneer and organising personality of Tiyari.
"Sampili Theatre Centre" formed in 1997 has presented excellent dramas in this short period, including tele-serials such as "Rung", "Imangni Bwsarok", "Longtoraini Eklobyo". All these above mentioned groups are based in Agartala the capital city. Others such as "Khorang" of Mandai
Mandai
Mandai is the name of an urban planning area located in the North Region of Singapore. Mandai Road passes through the area, linking Woodlands Road to Upper Thomson Road....
, "Dugmali Cultural troupes" of Abhichoran Bazaar are also leading groups.
Future
In such a short period of history Kokborok has developed a quite modern drama groups and talents at both regional and national levels without much support from the state government. Regular workshops, symposia, discussions and festivals regarding Kokborok drama are being encouraged now by the people.Eminent Personalities of Kokborok Drama
- Nanda Kumar Debbarma, awarded "Mahendra Smriti Puraskar" for Drama).
Bubar, Mukunne, Kokkisa, Koktanghai, Mari, Randijwkma, Sikhok, Reg-Swnam, Bolongni Muktarwi Sarao, Koktun Khotalbai, Kwplai, Kantomoni, Imangni Bwsarok, Shehi Bukhukswk Ha, Nuai, Rung, Sundurjak, Yapiri, Dogar, Longtoraini Eklobyo, Bwsak Kaisao, Da-kuphur, Chobani Swkang, Swkango Choba, Kotor Buma-Bwsa
- Madhu Sudan Debbarma, awarded first prize in Yubo Utsav, Bhopal for Chamari Ompai; Chethuang, Eklobya, Kwkharang Siyal, etc.
- Ruhi Debbarma, awarded 2nd prize in Yuba Utsav 1996; Khumpui, Buini Hambara, Baithang Dogwra, Kuchuk Kheregbar, Kuchuk Ha-Sikam, Swkal, etc