Shumang Leela Festival: 'Tamna', 'Khamnu' showcased
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam
Imphal, February 12 2023:
On the second day of the Nupi Leela competition of the 51st All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2022-23 organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi, Imphal at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, two plays namely of Kangjabi Meitei Chanu Artiste cum Drama Association entitled 'Tamna' and Imphal Theatre, Wangkhei Tokpam Leirak's 'Khamnu' were showcased on Sunday.
In the first show, 'Tamna' which is based on historical events, was presented.
The play revolves around the story of Nongdrenkhomba, a prince of Khuman kingdom, who took his own life after feeling guilty of wrongdoings.
It highlights how falsehood can never stand up to the truth.
The drama has been written by Haoba Tomba and directed by Salam (o) Muktabali with S Bimola playing the role of Khuman Ningthou, Ksh Premlata as Chinglenkhomba, Th Manjita as Nongdrenkhomba, S Helena as Henju Tensuba, N Premota as Lou uba, N Purnima as Thoibi, N Priyani as Tampha, S Eyelleima as Tarubi, A Janat as Linthoibi, Ph Diphini as Apambi, M Tomthinnganbi as Thoinu and Olivia Ningombam as Asangbi.
The play was delightful and fast-paced with every actor performing their role at their best.
The second show of the day 'Khamnu' is based on Moirang Kangleirol and tells the age-old story of brother-sister duo of Khamba-Khamnu from the perspective of Khamnu.
The drama is written and directed by Loitongbam Dorendra with Tekcham Sanatomba playing the character of Khamba, N Mokhsmi as Nongban, W Apa as Soura, W Nirmala as Chaoba, I Ibeyaima as Thonglen, Y Dhanabati as Thangarakpi, W Deepa as Maktram & Thoibi, Th Anandi as Kao, L Lanhoibi as Khamnu, K Irainganbi as Senu and S Sanajaobi as Thangarakpi.
'Khamnu' does not break the heart of its audience with the actors playing their parts in cool and confident manner.
Special mention can be made of L Lanhoibi who stood out in her role as Khamnu.
The drama could have been livelier and more complete if the comic scenes of Soura were longer than it was in the play.
On Monday, two plays will be shown with the first of Women's Art and Cultural Association's 'Namul Khambi' and second 'Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba' by Chingu Thangjing Women's Cultural Association.