Shumang Leela Festival : Naharol Khongthang artistes re-sprout with 'Wajaman'
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam
Imphal, February 22 2023:
One of the most famous popular groups in Manipur, Naharol Khongthang Artistes' Association has made a comeback with its new production, 'Wajaman' .
The play was presented on the fourth day of the Nupa (male) Shumang Leela category for the ongoing 51st All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2022-23, being organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here on Tuesday.
Written by Ranjit Ayekpam and directed by Hawaibam Budhi, the male characters in 'Wajaman' are played by Kh Dhakeshwor (Wanglen), H Shyamkumar Sharma (Education minister Thambou), S Shyamchand (Boyai), Th Henrick (Thoiba) and Th Krishna (Sanajaoba) while the female roles by W Dholmani (Sakhenbi), Ch Dhanajit (Ayingbi) and Th Sushil (Tarubi) .
Meanwhile, the backstage included L Punil (male voice), Bomcha Thoubal (female voice), James Tayenjam (Tabla), Kh Joykumar (Guitar), RK Khundongbam (Keyboard), S Pakpa (Pad Drum), O Dhanabir (Dholak), Tarun (flute) and Hawaibam Budhi (music direction) .
In 'Wajaman', Thoiba is a hardworking and honest young man.
After his parents passed away, his elder cousin brother Sanajaoba looks after him and both are closer than siblings.
However, Sanajaoba's younger brother Boyai refused to consider Thoiba as his elder brother.
Sanajaoba's wife Sakhenbi also feels the same and wants to drive him (Thoiba) away.
Both Boyai and his sister-in law Sakhenbi conspire to frame Thoiba and consequently accuse him of stealing money and trying to sell the property slyly.
Thoiba "understands" their plan and leaves the house without any objection.
However, he passes the MPSC examination and is posted at the Home Department as an MPS officer.
Meanwhile, the greedy and avaricious duo, Boyai and Sakhenbi become involved in human trafficking.
Boyai tricks his friend Wanglen's sister Taruni and takes her to Delhi with promise of a job.
When Taruni discovers the illegal activities, she is murdered by Boyai.
Later, when Boyai and Sakhenbi are talking about Taruni's mother, Wanglen arrives and questions the whereabouts of his sister.
Panicked that everything would be revealed, Boyai tries to shoot Wanglen but is wrestled by the latter.
Sakhenbi grabs the gun and shoots but accidently kills Boyai.
Sakhenbi is then arrested and spends her life in jail.