On January 27, 2024, the So-Li-Sü Theatres, a group of theatrical artists, performed their debut play “Süngra” at the Yimtsüngta Arok Sapang Ungma. “SÜNGRA” is a play inspired by a painting, and it’s a play that focuses on the constancy of changes that keep evolving. It is based on Ao Naga folklore and on the belief that its people and forefathers emerged from ‘Longtrok’, which means six stones. The use of metaphoric elements is what draws the audience to the realisation that when a language is lost, a person’s cultural identity is also lost, which in turn means the loss of their political and cultural selves. Even when a language is not lost, the loss of self, or rather, a significant shift within the paradigm of identity, has undesirable repercussions.
The So-Li-Sü Theatres, formed in 2024, were a group of theatrical artists formed with the motive of promulgating theatrical art with the motto “Life in Motion.” It aims to unveil the magic of performing arts using different techniques.
This performance was the product of an 18-day residential workshop. “Süngra” is inspired by an artwork done by an artist named ‘Temjen’, whose work was exhibited during the Hornbill festival. So-Li-Sü is a team of self-organised and self-sponsored groups of young artists, some professionals, and some learners. The play was staged for approximately 70 minutes, performed by 10 artists, and assisted by four musicians and set crews.
Kilangtemsu Imsong, the founder of So-Li-Sü, is an actor and director. He is an alumnus of the National School of Drama, Theatre, and Education, Tripura. Of his many achievements, some of them include being a recipient of the NEZCC YOUNG TALENTED AWARD 2017–18. His film, “Walakro,” is the winner of the 2017 First Nagaland Amateur Short Film Festival. Of the many works, he’s starred in “Yellow” and “Dreams & Chaos,” where he played the role of protagonist and won hearts.

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