Irom Woman

In telling her story,Singh also presents a harrowing portrayal of Manipur through a series of vignettes in which army men are shown abusing their special powers to kill,torture,rape and harass common people. “The second scene,in which a group kills a harmless peasant’s family is drawn from real life,” says Singh,who has been nominated for best director at META.

The play is non-verbal,and action plays out through high-degree martial arts,exaggerated facial expressions and miming. “Two of my actors are speech- and hearing-impaired,” says Singh. As scene after scene depicts varying degrees of cruelty,the only respite comes from the liberal use of Manipuri classical and folk music and dance.

“Manipur is not only about chaos but also about rich art and culture. The play highlights both,” he says.

The troupe practised for three years before the curtains rose in August 2008. Sharmila’s brother was part of the audience in a subsequent production though the rights activist herself has yet to watch Mirel…. Apart from Singh’s own nomination,the play is in the running for Best Actor for Shanta Singh,a Class XII student who plays the soul of Sharmila,Best Sound and Best Ensemble.