Kathmandu:

In the darkness highlighted by a red light, accompanied by apt music with the masks hanging and swaying from one side to another, the play starts evoking an eerie feeling. Then as the masks are slowly pulled up, a figure emerges from the background. As the play proceeds, he emotes various sentiments, depicting them in slow mild monologues to aggressive ones.

The play revolves around a person’s journey through life and the importance of time, his realisation of the futility of war and hatred, so he leaves everything in search of a new life. Saugat Malla, who performed this part, has done a commendable job with his enchanting performance in the play Samay Sarir Yatra written by Abhi Subedi and is a presentation of M Art Theatre Group from Kathmandu for the Aarohan National Theatre Festival staged at Gurukul on April 21.

Not complying with most of the plays staged here in recent times, the new approach used by director Birendra Hamal gave it a unique dimension. Describing his play Hamal said, “I was quite interested in Bharat’s Natyasastra and so have used it in my play.”

He added, “I wanted to use body language as a means of communication as it is beautiful and can be understood well.”

The adeptly done light and sound effects blended in very well with the play. But at times some parts of the play seemed to stretch a bit.

The play had an abstract touch to it and towards the end it was a bit difficult to understand. Since everyone present may not be able to attend the discussion to be held tomorrow, some of the abstract forms used could have been described to the audience so that they could have completely understood what the director was trying to portray.

Liyakat Ali of Miteree Kala Kendra, Nepalgunj gave a token of appreciation to Birendra Hamal at the end of the show.