'Morambi Angaobi' highlights crime against women
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam
Imphal, February 20 2023:
The third day of the Nupa (male) Shumang Leela category of 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, was marked by presentation of the play, 'Morambi Angaobi' by Nongin Leela Artiste Association on Monday afternoon.
After the culmination of the Nupi (female) Shumang Leela category, the Nupa (male) Shumang Leela category is being competed amongst 13 Nupa Leela groups since February 18.'Mourambi Angaobi' deals with the aftermath that a society faces following crimes against women.
Yaiphaba, an orphan, is the sole caretaker of his differently-abled sister, Ichantombi.
Due to his poor status, he breaks up with Dr Yaisana, who then marries his close friend SP.
Both siblings, Yaiphaba and Ichantombi, who are already living a difficult life, is then targeted and tormented by their neighbour, the rich and greedy, Leibakchaoba.
As time goes on, Ichantombi is sexually assaulted by Leibakchaoba's son, Muktasana, a misogynist and immoral drug smuggler.
Despite knowing the tragedy his sister had suffered, Yaiphaba is unable to retaliate due to powerlessness and poverty.
Ichantombi soon gives birth to a baby girl, who is adopted by the childless couple Dr Yaisana and her husband, thereby saving the siblings from the society's unfriendly eyes.
Subsequently, both Leibakchaoba and his son Muktasana are jailed for smuggling drugs and gold.
Despite being differently abled, Ichantombi loves the daughter she gave birth.
As such, her maternal instinct takes over and she carries a bundle of cloth, taking it as her baby, everywhere.
The people then tease her with the moniker, 'Morambi Angaobi' .
The play has been written by Tarachand Oinam and directed by renowned Leela actor Robindro Langthabal.
While the male roles were played by Laishram Tomba Singh (Leibakchao), Sambei Ibomcha (Tamphamani), Kangbam Niranjan (Muktasana), Ken Moirang (Yaiphaba), Ronald (Yohenba), Bhumeshwor (Sajou) and Kennedy (SP); the female characters are portrayed by Robindro Langthabal (Kaboklei), Heramoti Thongram (Yaisana) and Moiranthem Nganba (Ichantombi).
Meanwhile, the backstage consisted of K Dinachandra (male voice), Kanta Leishangthem (female voice), S Ibomcha (Tabla), Th Rohit (Guitar), Tonambam Sandip (Melodica/Flute/Violin/Music Direction), S Budhanchandra (Keyboard), Th Kipen (Pad Drum) and lyricist Tarachand Oinam.