'Nupi Shabee' highlights woes of Shumang leela artists

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 9 : "Covid outbreak changes everyone lives and this is not an exception to Shumang Leela artists as plays have been put on hold for months. And in learning to adapt to the new normal, some artists go as far as trading their instruments to make ends meet, said Nupi Shabee (male artist who portrays a woman's character in Shumang Leela ), Deepson Senjam, alias Pandum.
The Sangai Express visited the artists of Peace Maker Artistes' Association (PMAA) who were practising for the upcoming Manipur Shumang Leela Festival (March 7 to March 25) at Singjamei Akampat and took their opinions regarding the current situation.
Deepson apprised that PMAA will also perform a new play "Online da Luhongba" at the festival which will be held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound.
The play is directed by Ranjit Ningthoujam.
Commenting on Covid affect on their work lives, Deepson  continued that PMAA released two plays "Nungshi Laman" and "Mou Ahum Ningol Ama" last year, but both the plays didn't earn any revenue as Covid restricted live performances.
According to Deepson, practicing one play costs around Rs 6-7 lakh and takes about a month.
He said that purchasing just female's attire and cosmetics cost over Rs 3 lakh.
Saying that there are about 300 Shumang Leela artists and majoritity of them are not financially sound, he added that the love for the performing art keeps them (artists) moving and the little money they get from their works run their families.
As Covid outbreak put a restriction on live performances, some of the musicians even started selling their instruments to make ends meet, Deepson said, adding that these musicians are finding it hard to buy instruments again.
Deepson informed that Shumang Leela group takes about Rs 35, 000 for one show.
Saying that PMAA usually gives three shows a day during the Shumang Leela season, he added that artists are hit the hardest by the Covid pandemic as they have  no other source of income.
To adapt to the new normal, some artists even sell vegetables, clothes etc., the Nupi Shabee added.
S Hemanta, lifetime secretary of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council informed that the Manipur State Kala Akademi is not going to organise the Shumang Leela Festival due to bad economy.
This year Shumang Leela Festival will be organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, he added.
Hemanta suggested that giving vocational training to the artists participating in the festival would be a helpful initiative.