Entertainment

Two lives

The new play Sphatik, a presentation of Sarwanam Theatre’s trainees, revolves around two characters whose paths might appear divergent on the surface, but who are both struggling to be accep Two lives

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Manisha Neupane

Published at : January 29, 2014

Kathmandu

One first hears the distinct strains of Kun Mandir Ma Janchhau Yatri—Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s seminal masterpiece put to music—playing in the background, as two people, at different points onstage, appear preoccupied with their own activities. One of these happens to be a writer, who loves penning fiction, but has been growing more and more frustrated at the kind of feedback he’s been receiving from his publisher, who deems his submitted writing much too ‘vulgar’ and controversial. The other is a girl, who is seated in front of a mirror, putting the final touches to her make-up and dress, and who, we eventually find out, is a call girl. On the surface at least, there seems to be little intersection between the lives and concerns of the two, and indeed, throughout the course of the story, they never actually come face to face. But yet there is an invisible thread that connects them—they’re both struggling to be accepted in their circles, and in society at large. They’re both goaded to conform to certain expectations, but reluctant to.

This is a synopsis of the play Sphatik, now being presented by Sarwanam Theatre’s trainee batch at their premises in Kalikasthan. Conceptualised by Raj Shah and Arjun Neupane, and written and directed by Dipesh Poudel, Sphatik portrays the experiences of two very different people, who appear to inhabit entirely unrelated spheres, but who are linked by how difficult it is for them both to ‘fit in’. Cast and crew have worked hard to ensure that watching their stories unfold alternately on stage comprises an emotional experience for audiences. For the almost 60 minutes that the play runs for, we are offered a window into the hearts and minds of these characters in turmoil, and most certainly, there is a sense of empathy and engagement that is evoked.

Sphatik showcases some impressive performances. All the actors, including Aditya Sharma, Arjun Neupane, Sadhana Bhandari and Shyam Khadka take on their roles with gusto, creating believable characters and interactions. Though designed and produced by the theatre group’s trainees, there is no hint of inexperience in the way the production has been executed; from set design to the lighting, and of course, the acting, Sphatik is well done. A special note on the scoring—the music is memorable, and blends well with the pace of the story, providing rhythmic markers and a fittingly sombre ambience.

Like most of the work Sarwanam has been putting up in the many years that it has been around—since 1982 to be exact—this latest presentation too is thought-provoking and something that will no doubt prove relatable to a wide demographic. Definitely worth the trek to the theatre and the price of admission, watching Sphatik will prove an hour well-spent.

Sphatik will continue at the Sarwanam Theatre till February 2, showing everyday at 4:30 pm