| Yamata Amasung Keibu Keioiba | |
| Based On: | Yamata-no-Orochi of Japanese mythology and Keibu Keioiba of Meitei mythology (Manipuri mythology) |
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| Place: | India |
| Orig Lang: | Meitei language (Manipuri language) |
| Genre: | Japanese mythology and Meitei mythology |
Yamata Amasung Keibu Keioiba (English: Yamata-no-Orochi and Keibu Keioiba) is a Meitei language play, written and directed by Heisnam Tomba. It was produced by the Kalakshetra Manipur. This play weaves together the folktales of the two legendary creatures, Yamata-no-Orochi of Japan and Keibu Keioiba of Manipur.[1] [2] [3]
Yamata-no-Orochi was a Japanese dragon the size of eight hills, with eight heads and eight tails. He has eaten seven of the beautiful Kushinada's sisters and is about to eat her when she is rescued by the god Susanoo. Meanwhile, Lady Thabaton is kidnapped by Keibu Keioiba, a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of human. Thabaton's seven older brothers kill Keibu Keioiba and rescue her with the help of a wise old woman.[1]
The play shows the qualities of sacrifice and endurance through the mythologies of Japan and Manipur. They are interwoven in such a way that the stories of the two hilltops could be narrated together.[1]
According to Heisnam Tomba, the director of the play, the play attempts to capture the two different cultures and explore every possible interpretation. The play was an intercultural testing of stories, dance, music and performing traditional arts. It shows the modern day meaning of the rich folklore of both Japanese culture and Meitei culture.[1]