Their next project, seven plays to be performed in ´Bal Natak Mahotsav´ from March 1 to 7, is just 11 days away. They seem to be determined to do their best to live up to expectations of their audience.
Shailee Theater´s previous play ´Buigal bhayeko ghar´ a Nepali translation of Anton Chekhov´s ´The House with the Mezzanine´ was organized on the occasion of Chekhov´s 150th birth anniversary (January 28).
“This particular play was chosen instead of other works of Anton because of its relevance in the present context of Nepal,” says Nawaraj Budhathoki, the director of the play and the head of Shailee Theater.
“In the current transitional period of Nepal, everybody feels that there should be some sort of change but nobody seems to know what kind of change is required. I believe that ´Buigal bhayeko ghar´ will give some answers to this confusion as the main theme of the play is centered on the conflict at first but is resolved at the end,” he adds.
´Buigal bhayeko ghar´ was performed last month by six artists from Shailee Theater.
In the play, Kshitiz, an artist played by Prem Poudel, believes in radical and revolutionary changes. Kshitiz believes that equal division of work would be best solution to the problems.
He thinks this will lessen the work of people to only three hours and the rest of the time could be utilized in other productive activities like gaining knowledge and thereby eliminating the necessity of schools, which he believes should be closed, as they are only the places for elites to exploit others.
However, a village schoolteacher, Sarala played by Manjuee Devkota, has a contradicting opinion. She believes that change is inevitable but only viable change should be sought and worked on. Her argument is that radical change like closing schools would only deprive the youths of learning opportunity.
As the play unfolds, even though Kshitiz´s vision sounds impressive, Sarala´s opinion, being more practical, wins the hearts of the villagers. She then is elected as a leader of the community to impart her vision practically for the welfare of the village.
Nawaraj says, “The feedback from the 200 or so audience was very positive. I am sure they will further think about the message we tried to convey through the play and will try to apply in their lives.”
They will be back again to the Russian Culture Center tomorrow and continue to act, which has been their passion.
Related story
All set for 11th National Children Theater Festival 2020
