| AT A GLANCE | THE PLAY | CAST AND CREDITS |
| Abhimanch, 9.30 pm, Fri, 15 Jan Manipuri, 75 minutes Direction: M.C. Thoiba Script: M.C.Arun |
Based on the life of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, the play is located in 18th century Manipur, a place where new realities and the challenges of its expanding boundaries were heralding the need to emerge from the cocoon of traditional beliefs and values. It was at this time that Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, a poet and visionary, emerged on the scene and created the Rasa Lila, a unique blend of Vaishnavism and Manipuri culture. As a soldier and King, he liberated Manipur and through his relentless war campaigns elevated it to a major player in the region. The play looks at certain parts of Bhagyachandra’s life and philosophy, especially as juxtaposed against the views of Bidhu, a status-quoist and Amita, a radical. The play also includes debates on issues like war and peace, tradition, change and power politics, while developing into a quest for understanding contemporary situations of conflict and changing realities. | Rajarshi Bhagyachandra: H. Shatananda Shrama Bidhu: Ch. Rameshchandra Amita: M. Gita Devi Khelei Nungnang Telheiba: L. Tiken Tangkhul Woman: Ksh. Phajaton Chanu Lord Krishna: K. Nanao Poet: Th. Sanajaoba Singh Bimbati: A.K. Ranjita Devi Young Man: A. Shyam Singh Chorus: H. Deban, Ch. Basanta, Th. Roshan, Ch. Narendra, Sh. Shantikumar, Kh. Ranbir, A. Nilachandra, N. Chingkheinganbi, W. Naobi, Ch. Chingkheithanbi, A. K. Jaya Costumes: W. Naobi Set & Props: Ch. Dhananjay & E. Salam Music Assistants: H. Nisheshor, M. Bishe, L. Laiphaba Make-up: Kei Ibotombi Music: Leimapokpam Tiken Lighting Designer: L. Ibochou Stage Manage: Ksh. Phajaton Chanu |