Shumang Leela Festival 2022-23
Plays, 'Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba' & 'Phambal' marks fourth day
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam
Imphal, February 15 2023:
The fourth day 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 here on Tuesday was marked by presentation of the plays, 'Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba' and 'Phambal' by Chingu Thangjing Women's Cultural Association and The Western Cultural Association respectively.
The first play, 'Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba' performed by artistes of Chingu Thangjing Women's Cultural Association is based on the history of Moirang (Kangleirol), specifically the reign of Kongdihanba over Kege Moirang Leipak.
Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba was born as the son of Kege Ningthou and Leimarembi.
After reaching adulthood, he married Khongnang Loikenba Chanu Leima Shunurembi.
However, Chothe had to ascend to the heaven after receiving enlightenment, leaving behind an aggrieved Shunurembi.
The almighty (Soraren) took pity and allowed Chothe to come back, and the couple went on to live happily ever after.
The play has been written by Ph Shija Devi and directed by Surjit Khuman.
The male characters were played by M Ibetombi (Soraren), K Kalpana (Kongdinghanba), S Ibemcha (Loikenba), M Gambhini (Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba), H Kanchan (Chinai Naha), Ch Kamla (Takhomba), N Sweety Chanu (Laipha) and Ph Memcha (Khamlangba) .
The female characters were played by N Rabina alias Jite (Thamoirembi), K Javantibala (Nongdairembi), Y Neha (Leima Shunurembi), T Meiteilembi (Langmeirembi) and H Pushpa (Chingtainu).
Although the artistes of Chingu Thangjing Women's Cultural Association performed the play with sincerity, there is still the need for further improvement.
Meanwhile, 'Phambal' performed by The Western Cultural Association is based on the life of princess Kuranganayani, the daughter of Gourashyam, who married Tekhao (Ahom) Ningthou.
Kuranganayani (Phongdalokpi), raised by Meitei king Bhagya Chandra (Jai Singh) and taught royal etiquettes and rules, grew up to become wise and intelligent.
When Moirang Ningthou Khellei Nungnang Telheiba colluded with the king of Awa (present day Myanmar) and attacked Manipur, Bhagya Chandra (Jai Singh) sought refuge in Tekhao.
He then had his 20-year-old daughter Kuranganayani married to Tekhao king Rajeshwar, who awarded the title of Kuranganayani' to the princess and made her his queen.
All of these could be attributed to the efforts made by Kritichandra.
After king Rajeshwar 's death, his younger brother Lakshmi Singha ascended to the throne but faced threat in the hands of Moa-moria rebels including Borbaruah Ragho.
After a brief period, Lakshmi Singh was once again crowned as king of Ahom kingdom with the help of Kuranganayani, who also helped in eliminating Borbaruah Ragho.
The play has been scripted by Ranjit Ningthouja and directed by Iboyaima.
The male characters were played by K Pramo Devi (Rajeshwar), Kh Sushma Devi (Kritichandra),A Rita (Mahanta), Th Usharani (Lakshmi Singh) and A Ranita (Gagini), K Sangita (Ragho), while the soldiers were played by Thagoi, Sorojini, Inaocha, Tondonbi and Sumini.
The female characters were played by Lilabati Chanam (Kuranganayani), Indulekha (Kamlabari), L Thambal (Bhapuli), Priyonika (Aichu Ibemma), and Ichan (Sonai) .
'Phambal' enthralled the audience and took them on an emotional roller-coaster ride.
The play showcases the ill-intentioned sight cast on women by evil men in present society.
The artistes of The Western Cultural Association performed the play with great enthusiasm and held the tempo of the play till the end.
The artistes playing the main protagonist and antagonist roles, performed beautifully and were able to keep the audience engaged, with almost zero flaws.
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