The Telegraph, Calcutta, India

The medium of Shumang Lila (courtyard plays) is being used in India to spread awareness about bird flu. The State of Manipur's veterinary department is using theatre as an awareness tool, in the form of the play Aruba Echel, which revolves around a veterinary doctor working in a village in the interiors of Manipur. Scripted by Manaobi M.M. and directed by Birjit Ngangaomba, Aruba Echel is the result of collaboration between the veterinary department and the Peace Maker Artistes’ Association. The play will be staged across the state.


As a border state with Myanmar/Burma, the area is struggling with avian flu, animal and poultry smuggling, and militancy due to the state's "gun culture", according to the article. The play is written to address multiple issues of local concern so as to keep audience interest high, while arousing interest in preventative measures to combat avian influenza. It will receive additional exposure later in 2008 in a competition at a regional theatre festival of Shuman Lila style plays.