Nang Sipsong Brings Tai Khamti Legend to the Stage

Nang Sipsong is a folk-theatre adaptation of the Tai Khamti legend of love, envy, and karmic justice centered on the twelve queens of King Hokham Pala. The narrative begins when the twelve queens harm sacred river fishes, disrupting the kingdom. Nang Ambala, an otherworldly maiden, grows envious, poisons the queens, and exiles them. Their son, Chow Dhukhapingya, grows up pure-hearted with the guidance of celestial beings and the testing of demons. He eventually discovers his lineage, defeats Ambala by destroying her enchanted bow, and restores the twelve queens to bring karmic balance and harmony back to the kingdom.

Director

Chow Pinthimang Namchoom serves as the Director of Nang Sipsong. Namchoom has been a member of the Tai Khamti Heritage and Literature Society for 15 years and has contributed to national and international cultural exhibitions for TKHLS. A versatile theatre artist, he has performed in traditional folk theatre and starred in lead roles for Chowpha Planglu and Soinam. He also served as the Associate Director for the production Ahimsaka.

Group

The Tai Khamti Heritage and Literature Society (TKHLS) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the Tai Khamti community, encompassing its arts, literature, language, and indigenous performance traditions. The organization initially focused on documenting and supporting Pung theatre, with Chowpha Planglu marking a key milestone. In recent years, TKHLS has reimagined folklore for contemporary theatre through productions like Ahimsaka and Nang Sipsong, combining classical movement, mythology, and modern stagecraft.