Moirang Thoibi on stage

IMPHAL, March 18: Moirang Thoibi, a project play was staged at the Rupmahal Theatre yesterday, the concluding day of the months long project on Moirang Parba held under the theme 'revitalization of traditional performing arts of Manipur'. The project had begun on December 7 last year. Meetings of experts, lectures given by gurus and demonstration by folk performers among others were carried out during the project sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Attending on the concluding day as the chief guest, Elangbam Sonamani said Moirang Parba has a deep component of the ancient Manipuri culture and traditions. He also pointed out the popularity of Moirang Parba in the recent past. He lamented that the advent of modern entertainment assets in addition to the expanded number of cinema halls have minimized the culture patronage in the State. He further urged for an authority, which should promote, develop and control the almost dying culture and performing arts of the State. In his presidential speech, Khongbantabam Tolhal, acting chairman of the Rupmahal Theatre said that the staging of the Moirang Parba began during the reign of Maharaja Chandrakirti. He also said the lost ancient beautiful language of the State can be promoted through Moirang Parba. Arts and Culture Director Achou and N Tombi spoke on the occasion. The project play Moirang Thoibi was adopted from Khamba Thoibi (Moirang Parba) of Mahakabi Hijam Anganghal. The drama which began from Shillangba to Kangla Bichar is jointly directed by Ch Gopal and Ch Ranjit Singh. The first scene of the play depicts the entrance of Khamba into the courtyard of the mansion of Chingkhuba Jubaraj, the younger brother of the King of Moirang. Khamba came to seek a job to fill his stomach. Thoibi, the only daughter of the Jubaraj eyed her first vision of love upon Khamba, the tall and handsome orphan. Artistes who played the characters of Moirang Ningthou, Chingkhuba, Nongban, Pheiroijamba, Sharunghanba, Senu and Khamnu among others put up superb performances which enthralled the jampacked theatre lovers.