Kathmandu: International Theatre Institute (ITI) Nepal centre organised a programme to mark the 43rd international theatre day at Gurukul, Baneshwor on March 27. Celebrating the slogan of the ITI world centre for this year ‘Women In Theatre,’ ITI Nepal Centre honoured five prominent women from the performing art that included play-acting and dance. The women who received the felicitation were Shuvadra Adhikari, Shakuntala Gurung, Narayan Devi Pradhan, Laxmi Shrestha and Nisha Sharma. Playwright Saru Bhakta and theatre worker Bala Ram Thapa from Biratnagar were also awarded with Dabali Puraskar comprising cash prize of Rs 11,111 and Triveni Puraskar of Rs 10,111 respectively, for their contribution to Nepali Theatre.

Abhi Subedi, president, ITI Nepal read out the message of ITI World Centre and recited Nepali version of a poem written by French theatre giant Ariane Mnouchkine of Theatre du Soleil about the vigour and potential that the theatre has over other forms of art. He also added, “After the Second World War, people were looking for a powerful medium to break the silence as, there was no other powerful medium than the theatre and it can also be used for educating and raising awareness besides its artistic significance.” Sunil Pokharel, general secretary, ITI Nepal Centre read out the message from ITI Nepal centre president Abhi Subedi and reiterated the commitment to continue the theatre revival even in the adverse situation. The programme was followed by book release and text reading of a play — ‘All Mothers Are Working Mothers — by Sangeeta Rayamajhi. — HNS