National webinar pays tribute to theatre legend Ratan Thiyam

The Department of Hindi and the Literary Club of Government College, Dehri (Fatehpur sub-division), organised a national webinar via Google Meet to pay homage to legendary theatre artiste Ratan Thiyam. The session opened with a welcome address and introduction by Dr Neha Mishra.

Keynote speaker Dr Amitesh Kumar, Assistant Professor of Hindi at Allahabad University, delved into Thiyam’s theatre journey, highlighting his signature style, the “Theatre of Roots.” He explained how Thiyam fused Indian traditions with global themes through a distinct theatrical language. Video excerpts from iconic plays like Chakravyuh, Manipuri Trayi and Uttar Priyadarshi were shared to illustrate Thiyam’s visionary approach.

College Principal Dr Sachin Kumar appreciated the enriching discussion and reflected on Thiyam’s influence on Indian theatre. A memorable segment featured Mani, a theatre artiste from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, who recounted his experience performing with Thiyam at Shimla’s Gaiety Theatre. He praised Thiyam as a pioneering playwright, director and teacher from Manipur who shaped post-independence Indian theatre.