The theatre scene in Kathmandu currently stands in good stead as far as theatrical diversity, interest in experimentation with dramatic forms and mass interest in the same is concerned. Numerous artists are increasingly resorting to the theatre to explore and showcase personal and societal realities, and Tandava Theatre, one of the newest drama groups in the country, is excited about all that it can offer to the theatre-going audience here.

The inaugural show of the group, which featured the staging of Shishir Ra Basantako Katha, a play based on the popular Nepali folktale, took place at the Theatre Village, Lazimpat, on February 10.  The popular Maha Jodi, Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya—who have worked extensively in theatre and television—inaugurated the function and presided over the event as chief guests.

Tandava Theatre is composed of an enthusiastic group of young individuals who have been acting and performing as a group for quite some time now. “We have always wanted to come together as an institutionalised drama and performance group,” said Gopal Aryal, chairperson of Tandava Theatre as he spoke at the official inauguration. “We believe we can deliver spectacular results if we remain dedicated to our goals and work hard to achieve them.”

The theatre group’s debut show was staged at the Theatre Village as the group do not as yet have a performance space of their own. The group’s take on the popular folk tale, about the eponymous heroes Shishir and Basanta—two brothers forced into separation by their evil stepmother—was interesting to watch. The drama played out in vignettes and flashbacks with stories from the past being narrated in the present by travellers journeying on boat. As the actors on the floating vessel spoke of events from their former years, the action moved on to the background where another group of performers acted out the stories, giving audiences the chance to be privy to images not just the main characters’ present but also their past. 

The Maha Jodi gave congratulations to the theatre group and wished them the best for their future endeavours. “The play’s delivery played out finely on stage although the actors are all quite new to theatre,” they said, as they addressed the audience which was composed of actors, directors and writers from Nepal’s theatre fraternity as well as Tandava’s own group members. “There were some aspects and performances that came out as immature at times but the overall play was very good,” elaborated Hari Bansha as he gave some useful advice to young actors who have all the potential to improve in the future. 

Madan Krishna also had recommendations to make to members of the budding theatre group. “Future plays and performances will benefit a great deal if more attention is paid to background music and stage 

lighting,” he said.

 

Shishir Ra Basanta Ko Katha will be staged at the Theatre Village till Feb 15. The play will be staged twice daily: at 11 am (for students) and at 2 pm (general)