02 / THE STORY
A celestial kinnari and a human prince fall in love. War, deception and a journey beyond the human world test whether their bond can survive without taking away her freedom.
Prologue
Uttara Panchala flourishes under a virtuous ruler and the protection of Chomphuchit, the Naga King. Drought-stricken Maha Panchala plots to kill the Naga before invading. Far away in Himavanta, Manohra and her six kinnari sisters bathe at Lake Anodad, unaware of the fate approaching them.
Act I
Boon the Hunter saves the Naga King and receives a magical lasso. He uses it to capture Manohra and brings her to Prince Suthon. The two fall in love, while the High Priest, angered by the rejection of his daughter Usa, begins to plot revenge. After their marriage, Suthon returns Manohra’s wings, offering her the freedom to go home. She chooses to stay; a ring and a private love song bind their promise. When Suthon leaves for war, the High Priest persuades the King that Manohra must be sacrificed. Granted her wings for a final dance, she flies to safety. Suthon returns, banishes the priest and sets out to find her.
Act II
With help from a little monkey and a giant bird, Suthon crosses a poisonous forest into Himavanta. Meanwhile, the exiled priest transforms into a Demon Bird. At home, Manohra faces a purification ritual that will erase her memories of Suthon, until his ring reaches her. When the Demon Bird attacks, Suthon helps King Prathum defeat it. A final test remains: he must identify Manohra among seven identical sisters. He sings their secret song; she answers. They are reunited through a love grounded in freedom and the choice to return.
Synopsis adapted from the original programme. The complete scene-by-scene synopsis is available in the programme book.
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