Leela Festival: 'Namul Khambi', 'Petanga' showcased
Source: Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam

Imphal, February 14 2023: On the third day of the 51st All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2022-23, which is being organised under the aegis of Manipur State Kala Akademi, Imphal, two plays namely "Namul Khambi" of Women Art and Culture and "Petanga" of Women for Culture were showcased at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, here, on Monday.

When it comes to Shumang Leela (plays) of female artistes, the story line is primarily folk-based and associated with Moirang Kangleirol and the same trend continued with in "Namul Khambi" and "Petanga".

The first show of the day commenced with "Namul Khambi" of Women Art and Culture.

The storyline of the play revolves around a lake which is the point of hostility between two villages namely Heiram and Khuman.

The play carries the message of doing the right and good things.

The play written by Ambika Kh has been directed by Chajing Deven and the cast includes Ningombam Bijayenti Leima as Heirem Kangbi-shu, Khongamcha Thanil Meitei as Chakha Mairemba, Tang Laishram as Khuman Ningthou, Khaidem Sur-bala Devi as Shikhong Ningthou, M Ibeyaima as Moirang Ningthou, L Khoradoni as maidservant, Nandarani Pukhrambam as Namul Khambi, Khaidem Indira as Tombi/Khuman while Thongam Loijingkhombi and Pukhrihongbam Bidyalakshmi played the roles of the villagers.

The play "Namul Khambi" could gather mid-range audience.

One could see the performance of the main character Namul Khambi played by Nandarani Pukhrambam evoking appreciable response from the audience.

Khaidem Surbala Devi and Khongamcha Thanil Meitei who played the roles of Shikhong Ningthou and Chakha Mairemba also did their best.

Despite visible gaps in the development of the plot, overall, the play was not the type which could not meet the expectation of the audience.

The Shumang Leela group is expected to do more in future.

The play "Chothe Thangwai Pa-khangba" of Chingu Thangjing Women's Cultural Association scheduled as second play of the day had to be postponed following some technical issues.

However, the festival continued with presentation of the play "Petanga" of Women for Culture.

The story goes back to the time of Meidingu Ura Konthouba and it is the typical love story of Ura Konthouba's son Naothingkhong and Petanga, a simple and devoted tribal girl who is the daughter of a village head.

It is a story of trials and tribulations of their relationship and unique adventures and tragedies.

Though the play cannot be termed as one of the best, yet it wasn't a bad one either.

The performance of S Sunanda Chanu, who played the role of Petanga was notable with all other actors following suit with interest.

However, there were some ordinary performances among the actors.

Nevertheless, it is believed that the group will bring out more plays in future which will be up to the satisfaction of the audience.

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