Theatre treads suggestive path

KATHMANDU: Aarohan, Gurukul along with representatives from various theatre groups from different parts of the country staged a play specially for CA members here on February 9. The play was a demonstration as to how suggestions for new constitution had been collected. There were around 12,000 suggestions related to the dowry system, domestic violence among others that were presented to Subas Nembang by Sunil Pokhrel through Legislative Theatre on February 4.

The play revolved around the issue of domestic violence in the rural areas. The play showed how some men can be inhumane and not be least bothered about their wives even when she is pregnant — instead of helping her with household chores, he spends time gambling and drinking. It’s the woman who is burdened not only with household work but looking after the animals to looking after the fields and selling goods. Yet, she is treated ruthlessly and beaten by her husband.

At this point suggestions like taking help from society, the wife retaliating and asking the father-in-law for help were taken from the audience and enacted impromptu illustrating how the problem can be solved.

The play was quite interesting with the actors acting out the suggestions as they had practiced it over and over again was quite good. It was both the lead actors who brought life to the play with their commendable acting along with the comic actors who made it more interesting. Though at times the play seemed to be a bit loud, it was apt for such a strong message that needed to be given to people as it held one’s attention and made people think. Along with the music and vocals in the play, there was added a new dimension to it giving it a true rural feel.