Improv theatre, a four day workshop on Improvisational Theatre, is slated to run from May 18 to May 21 in Kathmandu. Organised by International Centre for Social Theatre (ICST) Nepal, a performing arts theatre, the workshop will be conducted by Muneeb ur Rehman, a popular theatre practitioner and performer based in Pakistan.

Improv is a form of theatre in which actors take the stage and spontaneously build up a story and dialogues and act. This is usually applied in the comedy genre. Rehman is trained in long form improv from The iO theatre in Chicago, which is a popular theatre that teaches as well as hosts improv theatre. A theatre actor since last ten years, Rehman also specialises as a trainer.

Gopal Aryal, the CEO of ICST, shared that Improv theatre is a new concept in Nepali theatre.

“The use of Improv in Nepali theatre circuit is sparse,” he said, “Our workshop will be more like an introductory and practical seminar targeted at actors and theatre enthusiasts.” Aryal also shared that this workshop will not consist of an Improv act yet, but the plans are in line for future.

The programme will take place at the ICST premises in New Baneshwor from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, every day. Tickets are free; however, the organisers suggest a donation of Rs 2,000 per head.

Meanwhile, the ICST has also been conducting the Mountain Dream Nepal 2018, a theatre residency, which concludes today.  The residency integrated the art of theatre, dragon dreaming, theory U, spirituality and nature. According to the organisers, the programme aimed at introducing tools which are useful for personal and professional growth, as well as problem solving and healing.