There is a anecdotal phrase popular among the Limbu community in eastern Nepal—Khyal khyal ma chaar inch—which means that no matter the nature of the dispute, there is nothing a glass of raksi can’t fix. A play that dramatises this concept, Maricheko Chupi, based on a short story by Upendra Subba, is currently being staged at Gorkha Department in Damak, Jhapa. Adapted by Nabin Praachin, Maricheko Chupi is directed by Sijan Dahal.

In some parts of the east, there is a tradition that, whenever a dispute arises among the people in the community, it be solved through consensus in what the denizens call ‘Samaaj Basne’. Maricheko Chupi, set in an rural village, brings this ritual on stage. 

Organised by Kadam Theatre, the staging aims to raise funds to build a theatre house in Damak.

“The staging is part of our attempt to build a theatre house in the city so that theatre enthusiasts here, which amounts to a sizeable number, will get to watch plays in our own city,” said Mechi Putra, secretary of the organisers Kadam Theatre. “Drama in Nepal is by and large concentrated in Kathmandu. We want to break the mould and make Damak a vibrant city for theatre.”

Maricheko Chupi features actors Tibbat Rai, Subash Chandra Kharel, Chomu Sherpa Khusi, Mausam Rai, Sohan Luitel, Depvi Prasad Uprety and Narendra Limbu, among others. Prior to this, the play was also staged in the National Drama Festival in Ilaam, which took place last month.

Maricheko Chupi will be on at Gorkha Department through August 11.