Manipuri Learning Module: On the Translation of Binodini's Asangba Nongjabi

On th ON THE TRANSLATION OF BINODINI’S ASANGBA NONGJABI was published as a translator's note in Crimson Rainclouds by Thema Books, Kolkata, 2012 ISBN 978-93-81703-15-1 The Manipuri Learning Module is a group of interlinked language, linguistics, literature and AV components based on Asangba Nongjabi, a modern Manipuri play by M. K. Binodini Devi. It is designed to be a learning tool for English-speaking, non-Manipuri scholars and students to learn Manipuri, while gaining insight into Manipuri culture and society with a classic of modern Manipuri literature. It is an initiative of Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation of Manipur. In Crimson Rainclouds, a Manipuri play from the 1960s, an artist determined to uphold his freedom is torn between his two loves, both only too gentle in their demands, and yet deeply caring. The English translation of the play appears for the first time, followed by the original, now out of print, in both the Bangla and Meitei Mayek scripts; along with stills from two productions of the play and a couple of paintings of Binodini by Ramkinkar Baij, and a self-portrait by Binodini. Born a princess, Maharajkumari Binodini Devi (7 February 1922–17 January 2011), broke free from the constraints of royalty to live to the full—the life of an enlightened commoner, and emerge as an iconic pioneer in the evolution of Manipuri modernism, through her outstanding contributions to fiction, theatre, cinema, poetry, visual arts and dance. L Somi Roy is Founder and Managing Trustee of Imasi: The Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi Foundation in Manipur, India. He is also a film curator and arts producer out of New York who has organized film exhibitions for major American museums. His writings on film and culture have appeared in Artforum, Asian Culture, Wide Angle, Black Film Bulletin, International Documentary, and The Drama Review and Persimmon