Shumang Leela

About Shumang Leela:

• The meaning of this theatre form is “courtyard performance”, which is performed in Manipur.
• In this, the roles of women are all played by men, called Nupi Shabis.
• In the case of women’s theatre groups, the roles of men Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meitei community of Manipur.
• The plays provide a vehicle for educating the public about social, political, and economic issues.
• Types – Shumang Leela is of two types
• Nupa Shumang Leela – Performed only by men
• Nupi Shumang Leela – Performed only by women are played by women.
• The female roles are taken up by transgender actors.
• The tradition is believed to be descended from News

Q1) What is Lai Haraoba ?

Lai Haraoba is a festival associated with the Meitei people celebrated to please the Umang Lai, the traditional deities of Sanamahism.

Source: In Frames | The art of gender-bending

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