A team of the Peace Maker Artistses’ Association, one of Manipur’s renowned Shumang Leela groups, departed from Imphal Airport on Friday to participate in the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, billed as the world’s largest international theatre festival, in New Delhi.

The group will stage the Shumang Leela production “Mutlaroidaba Machu”, written by acclaimed playwright Manaobi MM, on 10 February at the National School of Drama (NSD), Mandi House.

The play portrays the journey of sisters Ayeengbi and Thabatombi as they confront social and personal challenges while moving from rural areas to urban Imphal. It also highlights issues such as drug and substance abuse through the character Ningthemba and exposes deep-rooted misogyny in society.

Directed by Lai Ibotombi, the play features performances by Lai Ibotombi, Ibohanbi Sorokhaibam, Naorem Tamphasana, Yumnam Arun, Athokpam Santosh, Sarangthem Henary, Ngashepam Robertson and Ksh. Ronaldo Chingkhu in male roles, along with Senjam Deepson, Bishesh Huirem and Wangkhem Herojit in female roles.

The musical ensemble includes Konjengbam Romesh (male vocalist), Vicky Likmabam (female vocalist), Moirangthem Robert (guitar and violin), Seram Romajit (flute), L. Surchand (keyboard) and N. Girish (tabla).