“Theatre is not a casual engagement, it is a daily ritual”: Imphal and the Chorus Repertory Theatre as the Sites of Performance

The paper contains an exclusive interview of Ratan Thiyam (1948), the famous theatre director from Northeast and one major protagonists Theatre Roots movement in India. also provides authors’ experience with place, Imphal, (capital Manipur state), its people, milieu which intimately informed creative self his abode—the Chorus Repertory (CRT). is a state enigma for many outside state, not only mainland but even other parts as well because seen place that has been political turmoil unrest following protracted militancy, ethnic anxieties tumults identity assertions besides being subjected to draconian AFSPA longest period time. Against such backdrop life continues thrive Imphal elaborate nuances contradictions turning cityscape itself into space performance. was taken on sidelines National Festival 2017, at CRT where some significant contemporary Indian plays were performed including Thiyam’s Urubhangam. attempts look against cultural spatial context see how can evolve organic form artistic expression.