‘Lahuri Bhainsi’, a play about the lives, struggles, dreams and social realities of Nepali rural society, is set to be staged at Mandala Theatre, Thapagaun, from June 5 to 21. It is a joint presentation by A J Bob Studio and Crook Entertainment.

Based on the story of Ramesh Bikal, this play has been adapted by Sanyog Guragain and directed by Anup Neupane.

Reflecting the deep social and economic structure of Nepali rural society, ‘Lahuri Bhainsi’ follows the small family of Lukhure, Ghainti, and Pode as they dream of improving their lives by buying a buffalo. But that dream gets trapped in the cycle of society’s power structure, class division and exploitation.

The play has portrayed the dominance of the character ‘Dwarebaa’, along with the plight of poor farmers, the burden of debt, and the social mentality of the village.

“Even though the timeline of this story can count back to several decades. Its message of societal reality, I believe, is still relevant,” says Neupane. “The faces might be different, but the restrictive caste hierarchy still looms within our society.”

He adds how people’s status today is determined by their houses or their vehicles, but back in the Panchayaat era, also the setting of this play, Buffalo dictated it. Neupane had read this story when he was a school student. Therefore, it is also a ‘play of nostalgia’ for him.

With its profound commentary on class division and exploitation, the play also uses folk language, songs, and original dialogue.

“An attempt has been made in this play to convey the cycle of power, poverty, dreams, and despair of society to the audience through theatre,” adds Neupane.

Lahuri Bhainsi

Where: Mandala Theatre, Thapagaun

When: June 5 to 21

Time: Every day at 5:30 pm

Additional Show: Saturday at 1:30 pm