Kathmandu:

The Nepal Britain Society’s HAMS New Shakespeare Wallahs is ready with their new pantomime Hari and Gita. Based on Hansel and Gretel and directed by Greta Rana, it shares slight resemblances with the original story. It has been highly modified to suit the Nepali context and is situated in a rural area where Hansel and Gretal are not young innocent children.

The humorous and at times satirical dialogues, the easy-going pace of the play, at times really loud and funny incidents, the singing and music make it interesting and it is successful in bringing out the gravity that it holds.

Though packed with humour, there are many serious issues that are addressed by the play like arranged marriages being conducted more as a means to attain social prestige, total helplessness a young girl faces who has no say over her marriage, discrimination that persists between a son and daughter.

Besides familial issues, the pantomime also is a satire on topics like the work of so-called ‘facilitators’, lack of basic necessities like electricity and fuel, and of course the meaning of New Nepal.

Then there are other factors such as the ‘witch’ who everyone despises — is she really as evil as she is made out to be just because she speaks against social norms?

One of the most appealing features of the pantomime is the men dressed up as women — the outrageous costumes, speaking in amusing but convincing tones as women, too prominent bosoms and the subtle truth being presented as to how women run the households and men are mere subordinates who dutifully follow their wives. All the actors have given fine performances bringing vitality to their characters.

Another interesting part that a pantomime incorporates is obviously the audience participation as you get to join in and very much be a part of the performance.

Hari and Gita will be performed from November 27-29 at the British Embassy Hall.