Shumang Leela Fest; 'Lipun' epitomises hill & valley bond
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam

Imphal, February 26 2023: Peacemaker Artistes' Association presented its new play, 'Lipun' on the eighth day of the 51st All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2022-23 in the Nupa (male) Shumang Leela category on Saturday afternoon.

So far, eight plays have been showcased in the Nupa category of the festival, which is being organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

'Lipun' has been written by Manaobi MM and directed by Domarendro Akham.

While the male roles were played by Yumnam Arunkumar (Phungreingarji Ningsen), Robertson (Poireiton), Athokpam Santosh (Oja Ayangbi), Naorem Tamphasana Meetei (Loijingkhomba), Henry (Ajay Shah), Sorokhaibam Ibohanbi (Punshiba) and Lai Ibotombi (Soreingam) the female characters have been portrayed by Senjam Dipson (Dr Luwangleima), Huirem Bishesh (Chaningkhom-bi) and Roshan (Tharmila) .

Meanwhile, the backstage consisted of Ksh Nandakishore (male voice), Likmabam Vicky (female voice), Laimujam Binoy (Tabla), Moirangthem Robert Meetei (Guitar), Leiphrakpam Surchand (Keyboard/Music Direction), Naorem Tamphasana Meetei (Pad Drum), Seram Romajit (Flute) and lyricist Manaobi MM.

In the play, Punshiba is an ardent patriot and joins an insurgency group, before finally retiring.

With his overflowing love for his motherland, he joins hands with his former comrade Loijingkhomba, who has now been released from jail, in working for the welfare of the Meetei community.

Punshiba has two daughters with the eldest - Luwangleima is a doctor while her younger sibling - Chaningkhombi works in a major company outside Manipur.

Dr Luwangleima, who is aware of her father's thoughts, gets a government job and is posted at Ukhrul District Hospital.

She then falls in love with Tangkhul youth Phungreingam Ningsen, an environmental activist.

However, Phungreingam's father Soreingam objects to the relationship, as he considers the Meetei community as an enemy and is an active participant/supporter of disintegrating Manipur to form a separate land for the Naga community.

Phungreingam rejects his father's mindset as he wants a united Manipur wherein all its indigenous communities live in harmony.

On the other hand, Punshiba's other daughter, Chaningkhombi, who studied outside from a young age is more influenced by foreign custom and culture.

She looks down the men of her community and as such, falls in love with one Ajay Shah.

Both get into an intimate relationship and decide to settle abroad.

After hearing of Chaningkhombi's decision, Punsniba fiercely objected stating that she cannot get married unless her partner is an indigene.

This creates further misunderstandings between the father and daughter.

Amidst this, Luwangleima returns home and pacifies her younger sister, trying to make her (Chaningkhombi) understand their father's thoughts.

Chaningkhombi finally understands and marries Poireiton, as per her sister's instructions.

Meanwhile, Soreingam tries to have Phungreignam marry his friend's daughter, but Phungreingam refuses to do so and waits for Luwangleima to return.

Soreingam then reveals to his son that he was in a relationship with a Meetei woman when he was studying in Imphal.

However, the woman looked down on him for being a tribal and soon broke up with him.

He then tries to persuade Phungreignam saying that Luwangleima will not return.

Luwangleima, however, returns to Phungreingam, thereby changing Soreingam's wrongful thinking.

The play ends with the Meetei Chanu (girl) and the Tangkhul Pakhang (boy) getting together.

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