Life's struggle on stage

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Human life has various issues and one has to struggle for existence in life. Exploring these different aspects of human life, Shilpee Theatre has come up with a new play Kathabachan, that was staged at Sarwanam Theatre, Kalikasthan on May 18.

Kathabachan included two different acts — Ramesh Bikkal’s Naya Sadak Ko Geet, and Nayan Raj Pandey’s Prabash — both conceived and directed by Ghimire Yubaraj.

Prabash started with the anticipation of man about his work related issue and about his struggle for existence. Actor Sudam Chatakuli’s solo mime was able to put the message of struggle of living across to the audience. Chatakuli successfully communicated with his audience through his expression and the body language.

In the performance, one could see him narrating the story from where it is known that he is an editor of a literary publication where his wife is the publisher and the name of the newspaper is similar to their son’s name. Then, the actor shows the pathetic condition of his publication and his family life. Unable to get advertisement, he can’t give quality work through his newspaper. Instead his newspaper publishes literary works of anyone who provides him money, in order to continue the publication. And Chatkuli narrates role of all the three characters.

The act is a satire on publications that are limited to their own family members and a reality check on how advertisements have a huge impact on any publication.

Meanwhile, the second act Naya Sadak Ko Geet revolves around the life of a blind beggar and his beautiful wife where every male passerby on the road including the traffic police look on his wife with a desire to seduce. During those situations, Jeewan Baral as the blind beggar shows anxiety and anger of a husband not being able to protect his wife. He curses them taking different Gods’ name as he uses a similar name to bless his donors. Baral’s realistic expressions catches one’s attention. Durga Baraili, as the beggar’s wife who supports her husband but at the end leaves him to die in the middle of the road and turns into a prostitute, is good. Chandra Pandey has portrayed the corrupt nature of traffic police who even doesn’t hesitate to take money from beggars.

Kathabachan is a complete package of drama, emotion and humour. The dialogues are simple yet powerful.

The play will be staged till May 28 at 5:20 pm.