Visionary Theatre Legend Ratan Thiyam Passes Away at 77
Imphal: India mourns the loss of Ratan Thiyam, one of the country’s most visionary theatre directors and playwrights, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal after a prolonged illness.
He was 77.Thiyam, a trailblazer in Indian theatre, was known for his masterful integration of traditional Manipuri art forms with contemporary stagecraft. His productions were not only artistic but also philosophical and political, pushing the boundaries of performance and storytelling.A Padma Shri awardee (1989), Thiyam’s groundbreaking work brought Manipuri theatre to global recognition, setting new benchmarks in aesthetics, narrative, and social commentary.
Over the years, his direction challenged audiences to reflect on society, identity, and the human condition, often rooted deeply in the cultural ethos of Manipur.His death has triggered a wave of tributes from the national and global arts community. Artists, scholars, and admirers have expressed profound sorrow, calling him “irreplaceable” and a “cultural torchbearer” of modern India.
Former Manipur Chief Minister expressed deep grief on social media, writing:“It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His work carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its stories, its struggles, and its beauty. May his soul rest in peace and his spirit continue to live on in the works he leaves behind and in the countless lives he inspired.
”Throughout his career, Ratan Thiyam used theatre not just as an art form, but as a medium of social reflection and cultural revival. His contributions have enriched India’s artistic and intellectual legacy and will continue to influence generations to come.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit lives on in stages across the world, in the voices of young theatre makers, and in the cultural heartbeat of Manipur.