Kathmandu The plight of women is similar everywhere. They are suppressed and discriminated in one way or the other. Bringing the same reality from Japan, Layla Metssitane, a theatre artiste from Burgundy, France staged a play Fear and Trembling at the Theatre Village, Lazimpat on September 25. Presented by Alliance Française-Kathmandu, the play is an adaptation of the novel Fear and Trembling by Amélie Nothomb, a Belgian writer. Directed by Metssitane herself, the play is a monologue where she narrates a story of Amélie, a young Belgian woman working in a Japanese company Yumimoto. Beginning with the narration of the plight of women in Japan, she uses cosmetics on stage and decorates herself as a geisha. Geisha are traditional Japanese female entertainers. They are skilful in music, dancing, making conversation and entertaining male customers. While she is using the cosmetics, she narrates the plight of women in Japan. The women have to have a slim figure, a fair complexion, should get married within 25 years of age and have children. It is the duty of the women to be beautiful. And as she finishes her make-up, the story comes alive. Amélie (Layla Metssitane) is working in a Japanese company in the Accounting Department. She wanted to be a god, a martyr and a translator. Her wishes change as she grows up — she ends her duty as a toilet cleaner. In the same office, there is a Japanese woman Fubuki Mori working in the same department. Omochi, the Vice President of the company, abuses Mori in front of the entire department. Mori is raped by him but none of the staff raise a voice against such a heinous crime. Mori then rushes to the bathroom and Amélie follows her to console. But Mori finds it a shameful act and behaves in a vengeful way. Amélie is then given the duty to clean the toilet. Raising the issues of females in Japan and their exploitation by the males, the plays tries to show a cultural difference in an Eastern and Western society. Seeing someone in tears is a shameful act for Mori. Offering consolation is a kind gesture for Amélie. “It’s cultural shock,” explained Metssitane. Metssitane is Amélie, Fubuki and Mr Omochi within the same play. Her skills in presenting herself as these multiple characters makes the play an interesting watch. Sub-titles in English gave a good understanding of the French play. When Metssitane is standing on stage, the audience craned their heads to read the subtitles rather than watch her act. Putting on make-up to transform into a Geisha and narrating the plight of Japanese women gave a good background for the play. Her fingers’ movements in using the computer, shuffling with paper to do office work was an attraction in the show. Her tears flowing was so natural that it astounded the audience. The costumes used too were able to give an impression of Japanese women. The dim light, a table for both the computer table and a dressing table was quite excellent. Metssitane carrying a toilet brush to show her shift in duty was humorous.