The Peace Maker Artistses’ Association, one of the leading shumang-leela group of Manipur, premiers its latest Shumang Leela production titled “Ahanba Khongpham”. Mahurat (Yaipha-thouni thouram) was held on Thursday at the association’s rehearsal hall at Singjamei Akampat in Imphal East district.

Written by noted playwright Manaobi MM, ‘Ahanba Khongpham’ will stage at the 22nd Ningtham Shumang Leela Festival organised by the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council. The play is scheduled to be staged on January 7 as part of the festival.

Direction of the production has been handled by Sorokhaibam Ibohanbi.
The cast of the play includes Yumnam Arunkumar, Athokpam Santosh, Sarangthem Henary, Lai Ibotombi, Sorokhaibam Ibohanbi, Kshetrimayum Ronald and Naorem Tamphasana. Female roles are portrayed by Yumnam Milan, Senjam Deepson (Pandum), Bishesh Huirem, and Wangkhem Herojit (Sanathoi). Konjengbam Romesh serves as the male khonjel, while Likmabam Vicky performs as the female khonjel.

The musical ensemble features L. Surchand on keyboard, Seram Romajit on banshi, L. Binoy on tabla, M. Robert on guitar and Naorem Tamphasana on drums. Music direction has been provided by L. Surchand.

The play narrates the life journey of Manisana, the son of Ningthouremba and Momnu, depicting his struggles and experiences shaped by socio-cultural- political realities. From his upbringing to pursuing education in Delhi and later at Oxford University in England, the story reflects his exposure to European life and the inner conflicts arising from cultural displacement. Through Manisana’s return to his roots, the play explores themes of identity, cultural, social change, and the lived realities of Manipuri society.

Crafted with emotional depth and social relevance, ‘Ahanba Khongpham’ presents a thought-provoking narrative aimed at engaging audiences while highlighting contemporary issues through the traditional Shumang Leela form.