Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu

Mandapika Art Group presented ‘Shanti ko Kamana’, a play written by Mahesh Shrestha at Sama Theatre, Gurukul, Old Baneshwor on February 14. The event, the group’s debut, marked their inaugural also. The play ‘Shanti ko Kamana’, directed by Mahesh Shrestha and Lalmani Sitoula, is a plea for peace. The plot has narrative qualities that are didactic. Five men find themselves in ‘Yamalok’ or hell. All five are Nepalis who come from five different walks of life — farmer, politician, reporter, rebel and army man. All five died. They died in different circumstances. They died for various reasons. They died for peace.

Addressing the turmoil that the country is going through, ‘Shanti ko Kamana’ makes us question ourselves because this is what our present is. What will the future be? “Why should be present a play? This is a question that is raised in all our minds. We thought of that too and asked why should we remain silent. We are artistes. While the country is going through such strife, we decide to present a play but we weren’t sure what the people would gain out of it. After much thought, we decided to make one that would reflect the crisis and motive people towards peace,” stated Sitoula and Shrestha.

The casting is well done. With a few more rehearsals and shows, the play would gain some much needed polish. The dialogue delivery is still a little stilted and the acting still acting. It would do the characters good to shed ‘acting’ skills and become the characters. However, on the whole, the play is certainly worth watching.

The stage set-up and scenes have a flow that is efficient and orderly. Kudos to the young artistes!