Director: Ariunsan Byambadorj

Institution: Mongolian National University of Art and Culture, Mongolia

Venue: Small Theatre 2, CAD Changping Campus

Time: 13:30, May 21, 2024

Event: The 7th Asian Theatre Schools Festival

Director's Notes

Hello, I’m the director of the physical play, Khukhuu Namjil. My name is Ariunsan.

There is a Mongolian old fairy tale named Khukhuu Namjil, which is about how the Morin Khuur originated. I read it as a kid, which inspired me to adapt it into a physical play because it embodies all the fantasy elements and effects that I could showcase.

I've incorporated various types of theatrical effects into this play. For example, masks play a significant role; they represent the dual nature of contemporary people. Since theater is a combination of various art forms, I've used puppets to enliven the atmosphere and stage. The most distinctive feature of this play is its physical elements, illustrating how characters' emotions are conveyed through the human body and motion. Additionally, Mongolian traditions are prominently featured in this play, such as the Mongolian traditional dance style called biyelgee. Traditional Mongolian costumes, like the deel, are also showcased, and the shamans represent one of the religious figures from my hometown.

The main moral I hope people take away from this play is that human jealousy and envy can break our hearts and souls. Thank you.

Synopsis

In a distant time, Khukhuu Namjil, a young singer from the remote eastern region of Mongolia, faced exile, much to the disdain of the nobility. While singing by the lakeshore one day, a mermaid emerged, enchanted by his captivating voice, and bestowed upon him a mesmerizing jewel. However, Namjil, valuing his reunion with his beloved wife above material riches, declined the gift. In response, the mermaid presented him with a white horse, with the condition that Namjil return to sing for her.

Upon his return to his homeland, Namjil was met with disdain for fleeing his punishment, leading to tragedy as malevolent forces poisoned his wife and killed his cherished horse. Undeterred, Khukhuu Namjil crafted a unique fiddle, inspired by the memory of his beloved steed. Through his haunting melodies, he wove a tale of resilience and redemption, birthing the legend of Mongolia's first horse-headed fiddle.