Synopsis:
Aboriginal Cry opens with the harmonious connection between the aborigine and their land—rivers, forests, paddy fields, lakes, and hills passed down by ancestors, expressed through sounds and movement. But this sacred inheritance is threatened by the arrival of powerful corporate forces, backed by the state. Tensions rise as the aborigines confront these forces in a clash of sound and fury. The aborigines fight to protect their land, culture, and values, while the brute forces respond with oppressive, discordant noise. Ultimately, the aborigines are displaced to barren land, stripped of their heritage, and overcome with helplessness. In the face of such loss, their anguished cry echoes—a cry of pain, yet of resilience, as they vow to fight for their roots. The play tries to depict the hardships of displaced people and communities affected by 6 mega dams in Manipur in India.
About the Director:
Thoudam Victor, a National School of Drama (NSD) graduate (2009–2012), has trained under Heisnam Kanhailal and Ema Sabitri at Kalakshetra Manipur. A Charles Wallace India Trust Scholar (2014–15), he studied ‘Advanced Theatre Practice’ in London. He holds a Junior Research Fellowship from India’s Ministry of Culture and an MA in Devised Theatre from Rose Bruford College. His plays have been staged at national and international festivals, earning him awards, including Best Actor at META 2023. He has taught at NSD (Delhi, Tripura, Sikkim), Manipur University of Culture, and Central University of Hyderabad.
Directors' Note:
The story of targeting the resources of indigenous people by giant corporation have become a common phenomenon in different parts of the world, and Manipur is no exception. The play ‘Aboriginal Cry’ is about such phenomena where the aboriginal or the indigenous people becomes the target for acquiring land, rivers, forest, hills and other resources by giant powerful corporation. We try to explore this phenomenon through sound and the body of the indigene. For the indigenous people body becomes a sacred entity of relations between land, rituals and cultures. Without the land, the body becomes barren and could not embody values passed down from their ancestors, leaving the indigenous body in a very unproductive situation. Therefore, the play tries to address such brutal impact from the construction of mega dams in Manipur through a poetic body.
About the Group:
Akhoka is a collective of artists from diverse disciplines dedicated to creating critical theatre and art through collaboration. Focused on addressing socio-economic and political issues, Akhoka explores community-engaged performances in spaces affected by conflict, urbanization, and displacement. The collective seeks alternative, sustainable environments for artistic practice and aims to push the boundaries of both their own work and the field. Committed to inclusive arts, Akhoka invites individuals from all backgrounds to join and contribute to fostering a better vision through theatre and related artistic activities.
Cast and Crew:
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Contact Details:
Kontha Khabam Chumbreithong, Near Central Academy, P.O - Mantripukhri, Imphal East, Manipur - 795002, India.
Synopsis:
Two timeless tales intertwine in this theatrical performance, bringing together the Buddhist parable of Kandata’s torment in hell and the revered Mahabharata story of Shakuntala. Though their fates will never cross, they are bound by a shared struggle—each resisting the destiny imposed upon them. Rooted in the indigenous spiritual beliefs of Asia, this performance invites audiences to reflect on humanity’s coexistence with the divine and nature in a chaotic world. The play is a joint production of artists from Japan and Nepal and is based on stories written by Kalidasa and Akutagawa Ryunosuke.
About the Director:
Erina Saji began her career as an actress in productions directed by the world-renowned Yukio Ninagawa. In 2011, she founded Utervision Company Japan, an artistic collective dedicated to innovative storytelling. Her work has been showcased both nationally and internationally, earning acclaim for its depth and originality. By integrating figure theatre into her artistic practice, Erina has developed a distinctive performance style that seamlessly blends physical theatre and puppetry, creating visually arresting and emotionally resonant narratives.
Director's Note:
Relying on the imagination of the performers and the audience, to set up a fictional world on an empty stage. That the physicality of the Nepalese and the Japanese creates a more complex personality for the puppets. Through these two challenges, I hope to reflect on faith, human, and God.
About the Group:
Utervision is a collective of international artists of diverse genres. The company established its unique performing style by combining figure theatre, puppetry, and physical theatre. In 2015, the company embarked on international collaborative projects with an aspiration to create unparalleled performance works and to share them with the local audience across the globe.
Cast and Crew:
On Stage:
Off Stage:
Contact Details:
Synopsis:
Two timeless tales intertwine in this theatrical performance, bringing together the Buddhist parable of Kandata’s torment in hell and the revered Mahabharata story of Shakuntala. Though their fates will never cross, they are bound by a shared struggle—each resisting the destiny imposed upon them. Rooted in the indigenous spiritual beliefs of Asia, this performance invites audiences to reflect on humanity’s coexistence with the divine and nature in a chaotic world. The play is a joint production of artists from Japan and Nepal and is based on stories written by Kalidasa and Akutagawa Ryunosuke.
About the Director:
Erina Saji began her career as an actress in productions directed by the world-renowned Yukio Ninagawa. In 2011, she founded Utervision Company Japan, an artistic collective dedicated to innovative storytelling. Her work has been showcased both nationally and internationally, earning acclaim for its depth and originality. By integrating figure theatre into her artistic practice, Erina has developed a distinctive performance style that seamlessly blends physical theatre and puppetry, creating visually arresting and emotionally resonant narratives.
Director's Note:
Relying on the imagination of the performers and the audience, to set up a fictional world on an empty stage. That the physicality of the Nepalese and the Japanese creates a more complex personality for the puppets. Through these two challenges, I hope to reflect on faith, human, and God.
About the Group:
Utervision is a collective of international artists of diverse genres. The company established its unique performing style by combining figure theatre, puppetry, and physical theatre. In 2015, the company embarked on international collaborative projects with an aspiration to create unparalleled performance works and to share them with the local audience across the globe.
Cast and Crew:
On Stage:
Off Stage:
Contact Details:
