Kathmandu, April 7: The play is set during the turbulent period of 2006, when people rose against the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra in order for Nepal to become a democratic nation.
We are introduced immediately with a heated dialogue among three characters, one of whom is skeptical about the riot – which we now call the ‘People’s Movement’. The characters talk about their dreams for better lives for themselves, and for the nation’s well being. We hear each and every character’s story of their unjust lives, their families, and how they are never getting their share of hard work.
The play deals with issues with what was Nepal’s major issue that stirred the revolution, that all the citizens of Nepal, regardless of their caste, religion, ethnicity, faith, languages or gender, should be given equal opportunities and that the feudalistic system reigning Nepal must be abolished.
The itch to ink in the eyes of the artist
While we do not witness the rampage and violence in the play, the play presents us a sharply choreographed dance that portrays the emotions of the characters. It projects the difficulty faced by the characters with their facial expressions: mixture of menace and anger. It is one of the enjoyable pieces during the play, as it is set in slow motion amplifying the seriousness of the play.
We see that the two characters join the riot, while the skeptic stays at home, willfully not being part of the riot. At one point during the play, the characters discuss whether the riot would bring a positive change or not. The play makes us think about what this movement has brought to us to this day, and whether it did bring a massive change in our nation.
As the play goes on, we see how the revolution affected each and every character at a psychological level as these characters are very much invested on bringing change, as well as how the strikes -- ‘Nepal Bandas’ -- impacted Nepal’s economy.
At the end of the play the audience will be quite puzzled why; a satirical, relatively lighthearted play abruptly ends with a serious note.
The play features actors Rear Rai, Samyog Guragain, Ingihopo Koinch Sunuwar, Sijan Dahal, Binita Gurung, Milan Karki, and Sudip Khatiwada, among others.The play being staged in Theatre Mall is written by Saurav Karki and directed by Sudam CK.
