Kathmandu:

At the time of crisis, man lives with hope of tomorrow. However, when no hope is left, there is also no fear. This absence of fear is Anam, who exhibits tremendous audacity though he knows he faces execution. His behaviour towards his inmates is rather unsympathetic. “At least die a peaceful death,” he suggests. He has a natural ability to argue and win as his referen-ces are often practical. He ev-en contains the ruthless jailer.

He justifies murdering his lover, wife and daughter saying, “I murdered those who hurt me.”

Nirbasit Manaharu (Banished Mind), a full act play written and directed by Krishna Shaha ‘Yatri’, performed at the Royal Nepal Academy hall on March 23, has tried to address a host of issues ranging from the problems of the youth to nationality and identity. All the issues are relevant without which the play would not have been as powerful. Beyond the plight of ordinary citizens due to the political unrest, and interference with social and cultural set-up due to the so-called globalisation/modernisation, the unanticipated downfall of Anam is the most moving scene of the play.

Seemingly rebellious with integrity, Anam yields to his destiny in a manner similar to those in classic tragedies.

The juxtaposition of distinctly contrast characters — Anam being an anagarik (without nationality), and other internally displaced people has underlined the significance of nationality. The play rightly points out the need for peaceful reconciliation between warring sides. Anam laughs at the concept of shantipriya (pea-ce-loving) Nepalis and says, “Your country has already been shrouded in the cloud of bomb and explosion.”