Rita Dhital

Kathmandu:

Some ethnic groups that have been exposed to urbanisation have lost almost all contact with their traditions while there are others who still maintain ties with their culture. One such group that falls in the latter category is the traditional Newar community — the primary inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley.

Aarohan presented a play written in Nepal Bhasha (Newari) by cultural expert Satya Mohan Joshi and translated into Nepali by Ramesh Kaji Sthapit on July 8 at Sama Natak Ghar, Old Baneshwor. This play tells the legend of the Bagh Bhairab Temple in Kirtipur and the August jatra in honour of the deity.

The play portrays the traditional Newar communities and their ways of life that include farming, cattle rearing and weaving.

At the same time it has successfully portrayed the mythological, religious and historical backgrounds of the ceremonies and delightful legends surrounding them that are both mysterious and colourful. Characters are costumed in traditional Newari attire and the play tries to present a brief sketch of Newari rituals that include marriage and Janku. Newars are portrayed as the fun loving, frank and hospitable, best known for their amazing artistic acumen and skilled craftsmanship.

The play is accompanied by live music of crashing cymbals, manytoned drums and flute that are heard in every festival. Dramatic presentations and ritualistic dances are performed with masks and make a powerful impression on the audience. Chandraman Munikar has done all the choreography and music composition. The troupe comprises 27 artistes. Director Sunil Pokharel, who loves being familiar with every culture, has achieved remarkable success in portraying different ethnicities, be it the way of life in Buddhist monasteries in ‘Fire in the Monastery’ or the culture of Tharus of Terai in ‘Kamlari’ or the culture of the Newar community of the valley in ‘Bagh Bhairab’.

The play would be on for a month, everyday at 5:30 pm.