Pi- Thadoi :: A synopsis of the Play by Kalakshetra Manipur

Kalakshetra Manipur *

A scene from the Play 'Pi- Thadoi' :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam

Pi- Thadoi
About the Play:

As Hiyang Hirel remembers the forest to which he once belonged, he laments from his lavish royal abode. After his body was chopped, the subterranean remains howl as he searches his other half.

The tree Uningthou that has now become Hiyang Hirel recalls his story and howls back to his subterranean remains- like the disgruntled dog - like the Goddess in distress. The elders used to tell this story of conversation between the Uningthou tree and the forest.

The tree wants to grow as one in the forest, and not as Hiyang Hirel in the royal abode. But, the humans too had to chop out of necessity. Please forgive us.

The soul of the separated half seeks out her shy friend Pi Thadoi, chanting Pi-Pi-Pi. Oh Bird Thadoi! Please take my spirit and redeem me as a tree.

But, where is Pi Thadoi? The shy Pi Thadoi, with a green leaf, while hiding amid the leaves, is roaming around the parched earth, giving lives and spreading message of love and peace.

A scene from the Play 'Pi- Thadoi' :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam

Director's note

This is a short-length play. Motivated by desire to save the forest, we conducted small workshops through which the play developed into some sort of ritual performance with the young participants.

There is scope for further development and we also intend to expand the play. It is experimental in its intent. The gradual disappearance of trees from our sacred groves is an example of degeneration.

A scene from the Play 'Pi- Thadoi' :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam

Kalakshetra Manipur

The Group

Established in 1969 by Heisnam Kanhailal and his creative life partner, Heisnam Sabitri, Kalakshctra Manipur has evolved a distinctive style that is predominantly non-verbal. The group is dedicated towards expressing the critical realities of oppression and resistance.

It incorporates the prac¬tice of ‘divcrsity-in-perfomance’ and at the same time work towards experiencing communion - a sensitive and interactive process of the inner encounter between performers and viewers. Pi - Thadoi is the 40th major production of Kalakshetra Manipur.

Email : [email protected]
Website : www.kalakshetramanipur.org

See a full photo gallery of the Play 'Pi- Thadoi' here | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |