Meitei woman of Manipur have significant roles in every sphere of life. Her courage, endurance against atrocities, stamina, skill, patriotic zeal; as a mother nurturing her children; taking care of the household,as a woman taking lead in social issues, ready to face challenges, and her courage to fight enemies all account to the making of the spirit of a Meitei Woman. This spirit of the Meitei women is vivid in the Meitei mythology, legend, folklore, literature, and history.Pebet is a beautiful Meitei folk tale that symbolizes the virtues and spirit of Meitei Women of Manipur.
Director
Dr. Y. Sadananda Singh is M.A. in English Literature, and a Ph.D. in Manipuri Theatre guided by the illustrious Prof. N. Tombi Singh.He has been working in the field of mime/non verbal theatre since 1978. He started his theatre journeywith the cultural troupe, Panthoibi Natya Mandir.He has received his training in the art of mime under renowned Guru Niranjan Goswami. In his academic pursuit he has received national scholarship (guided by theatre exponent, late Shri H. Kanhailal), and Junior and Senior Fellowshipsfor academic research from the Ministry of Culture, India. He has been conferred the prestigious Manipur State Kala Akademi Award, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contributions in the field of Theatre and Mime 2022-23. His productions have been a part of numerous National Mime and Theatre festivals, Bharat Ranga Mahotsav, and the 8th Theatre Olympics organized by the NSD in 2018. His productions have been staged in international festivals organized in South Korea, Greece, Macedonia, Armenia, and Germany. Sadananda Singh has organizedthe East Zone National Mime Festival at Imphal many times and regularly conducts mime workshopsat the state and national level. Presently heworks as the Director of the Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory.
Director’s Note
In the heart of Manipur’s lush forests, a timeless tale of courage, family, and resistance comes alive. Pebet, our non-verbal play, reimagines this beloved folk story through the lens of tradition and resilience. The sly cat, driven by hunger and deceit, threatens the Pebet chicks, but the mother bird’s unwavering spirit ignites a battle for survival. What ensues is not just a fight, but a testament to unity, martial prowess, and the power of community.
Using Thang-Ta, the ancient Manipuri martial art, rhythmic folk music, and vibrant Pung Cholom, we weave a visceral narrative without words. The stage becomes a canvas of movement, the cat’s cunning stealth, and the birds’ disciplined drills, emanate the thunderous clash of good versus evil. No dialogue is needed—the body speaks.This production honours Manipur’s heritage while echoing universal truths: protection of the innocent, the strength in togetherness, and the triumph of justice. Let Pebet soar beyond borders, reminding us that courage is a language everyone understands. – The Wings of Unity.
Group
Since 1998 the Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory took part in many National Mime and Theatre Festivals; have participated in the 13th and 19thBharat Rang Mahotsav, and performed in the Kozhikode (Kerala) National Theatre Festival in 2011. In May 2006, the Repertory participated in the Chuncheon International Mime Festival held in South Korea representing India, presented the mime play Cheitheng (Agony). In 2007, the Repertory participated in the International Puppet and Mime Festival of Kilkis in Greece. In March 2009, the Repertory participated in the International Festival of Mime and Physical Theatre held at Macedonia. In 2011, the Repertory participated in the Chuncheon International Theatre Festival, South Korea, and the High Fest International Performing Art Festival, Armenia. The Repertory competed in the prestigious META Festival in 2010, and received Best Script and Sound Award for its production,Mirel Masingkha (the will of soul). In 2022, the Repertory took part in the 37thInternational Pantomime Theatre Festival, in Dresden, Germany. This group has organized many East Zone National Mime Theatre Festivals. The group has receivedEmpanelmentofthe ICCR, Govt. of India.