Plays, 'Inthoklabi' & 'Luwang Chanu Piyainu' presented
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam
Imphal, February 17 2023:
In the ongoing 51st All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2022-23, which is being organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound; The New World Artistes' Academy and Taothong Women's Dance & Dramatic Union presented their plays 'Inthoklabi' and 'Luwang Chanu Piyainu' respectively in the Nupi Shumang Leela category on Thursday.
'Inthoklabi' is based on the life story of Boro Saheb ongbi Rajkumari Sanatombi, the daughter of Manipuri King Sur-chandra.
The plot outlines her childhood as the beloved child of the king and his consort, royal scholars and subsequent marriage to Manikchand of the Nongmaithem clan.
After the Manipuri kingdom came under British rule, Major HP Maxwell unfurled the Union Jack at Kangla.
The married Sanatombi was then involved in a romantic relationship with the political agent Maxwell and faced criticisms from all sections of the then Manipuri society.
Despite the ostracism, the couple refused to give up their love.
Written by SK Mangang, the play has been directed by AK Bengal.
The male roles were played by Thongam Satyamala (Chandrakriti/Maxwell), RK Bhanubati (Surchandra), Hijam Sarika (Koirengsana i.e., Tikendrajit), Yambem Saya (Pakasana), Thangjam Sabitri (Angousana/Bamacharan), Langam Sunita (Jilangamba), Irom Indu (Natum) and N Memma as one of the soldiers.
The female characters were played by Laishram Mangita Leima Meisnam Kumudini), Kh Sana (Sanatombi), K Sakhitombi (Nganbi), Irengbam Sundari (Kousheshwori) and N Birohini (Ibemhal).
Although the artistes of The New World Artistes' Academy performed the play quite satisfactorily, more efforts could be made in some of the scenes towards the end of the play.
Meanwhile, Taothong Women's Dance & Dramatic Union presented the play 'Luwang Chanu Piyainu', which is based on Pouranikta.
Although Luwang Chanu Piyainu is the daughter of king Khaba and Irum Leima, she was abandoned at Chingkheirok by King Khaba, a misogynist who wanted a son to carry on his lineage.
Chingu Nongdamni and Luwang Ningthou found Piyainu and raised her with love and care.
When the narrow-minded King Khaba was injured by his adopted son Saphaba, Piyainu saved him.
In short, the play showcases that arrogance always ends in bad taste and that misogyny is wrong.
The play has been written by L Premila Leima and directed by Ksh Phulka.
The male characters were played by L Premila (King Khaba), Ch Minoti (Luwang Ningthou), M Tombi (Mendey Wangamba), PInaobi (Angamba), H Sanatombi (Pongthou), Kh Merina (Saphaba) and A Ayingbi (Chingakpa); while the female roles were portrayed by E Tamuleima (Khuman Leima), Ksh Phulka (Irum Leima) and N Sarju (Piyainu).
Unfortunately, the script of 'Luwang Chanu Piyainu' seemed weak and failed to impress the audience.
Nonetheless, the artistes played their roles, with some upholding their status as senior artistes.
It is hoped that the Union will produce more improved and better plays in the future.