Ratan Thiyam is a Manipuri playwright and director celebrated for theatre of breathtaking visual power rooted in the traditions of Manipur. Born in 1948, he founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal in 1976 and became a leading figure of India’s theatre of roots.
Key takeaways
- Ratan Thiyam was born in 1948.
- He founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal in 1976.
- His work draws deeply on Manipuri ritual, martial art, and music.
- He is a leading figure of the theatre of roots movement.
Who is Ratan Thiyam?
Thiyam is a director, playwright, and designer who fused Manipur’s rich performance traditions with a modern theatrical vision. His productions are famous for their striking imagery, discipline, and spiritual depth.
The Chorus Repertory Theatre
In 1976 he founded the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal, a dedicated ensemble that trains and lives together. From this base he created works that have toured and stunned audiences around the world.
Theatre of roots
Thiyam is central to the theatre of roots, which draws on India’s own classical and folk traditions rather than Western models. His work shows how deeply local sources can speak to a global audience.
Frequently asked questions
What did Ratan Thiyam found?
The Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal, in 1976.
What is Ratan Thiyam known for?
Visually powerful theatre rooted in Manipuri tradition.
What is the theatre of roots?
A movement drawing on India’s own classical and folk traditions.
Cover photo: Vice President’s Secretariat, GODL-India, via Wikimedia Commons.