'Panthungna Ngairi' espouses egalitarian society
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam
Imphal, February 23 2023:
The fifth day of the Nupa (male) Shumang Leela category of the 51st All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2022-23, organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound on Wednesday, was marked by the play 'Panthungna Ngairi', presented by Mami Artistes' Association.
Written by Bijgupta Laishram, the play is directed by senior artiste Narendra Ningombam, who doubles up as lyricist of the play and also portrays the character Ibohal.
The other male characters were portrayed by Th Joseph (Thanil), Denny Likmabam (Manglemba), Wahengbam Loken (Thouba) and Thoudam Paona (Sanahal).
The female roles were played by Naorem Shankar (Leihao), RK Sanaton (Thaba) and Sanathoi (Langlen).
Meanwhile, Noacha (male voice), Anthony (female voice), Tomba (Tabla), Inakhunba Kabui (Guitar/Music Direction), Boby (Keyboard), Chinglen (Pad Drum) and Shanti Sharma (Flute/Violin/Pena) assisted the play from the backstage.
In 'Panthungna Ngairi', Thaba falls in love with Manglemba, who is from the same village as her.
However, Imphal-contractor Thouba, who dis-regards women takes Thaba as his wife by force.
A heartbroken Manglemba then happens to save Leihao from an unfortunate situation.
Meanwhile, Thouba continues to be immoral day-by-day and abuses Thaba frequently, which leads to a miscarriage.
This prompts Thaba to fight against the misogyny and she soon comes into the eyes of the rich and arrogant Thanil, who decides to make her his.
On the other hand, Leihao, despite being highly educated, lacks decorum and manners, which prevents her from relation with her in-laws including her husband Manglemba.
She falls into the trap of Thouba and starts having an affair.
When Manglemba comes to know of the affair, the family falls apart and Leihao leaves the house.
Meanwhile, Thouba, who tries to force his wife to Thanil into flesh trade, is stabbed to death by Thaba.