Imphal: A 5-day long Shumang Leela Festival kicked off at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, in Manipur’s Imphal on Saturday.
The festival is being jointly organized by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Department of Art & Culture, in collaboration with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) under the Ministry of Culture.
The first day of the festival was marked by the presentation of the plays— Lonnabi Macha and Mutloidaba Machu—by the Women Art & Cultural Association and Peacemaker Artistes’ Association respectively.
The 5-day Shumang Leela festival will showcase 10 plays, with five performances each by female and male groups.
Shumang Leela is a Meitei traditional form of theatre, usually performed in Manipur. The theatre is arranged in the form of open-air from four sides. The roles are all played by male actors, some dressed as beautiful ladies.
The roles of male characters are played by female artists in the case of female theatre groups. This traditional theatre form has been prevalent since the time of monarchical rule in Manipur.
“Mongphamthakki Tengthakhol” by Chanura Jatra cum Drama Association and “Waakhal Iromba” by Sana Leipak Nachom Artistes will be presented on December 15. “Sana Khing Khing Khing Nganba” by Kangjabi Meitei Chanu Artistes cum Drama Association and “Laaklaroi Amuk Yeningtha” by Sangai Artistes’ Association will be staged on December 16.
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“Lamdaipung” by Malom Tulihal Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup and “Waashak Ama” by Iramdam Manipur Artistes’ Association will be staged on December 17 and “Kalpana Swayamvar” by Alternative Theatre Group and “Moraambi Angaobi” by Samadon Artistes’ Association will be presented on December 18.
