By Renuka Dhakal
Kathmandu, Mar. 29: With the intention of spreading Lord Buddha’s wisdom to the world through drama, a week-long Buddha Theatre Festival held at Rastriya Nachghar concluded on Saturday.
The atmosphere inside the theatre was full of excitement and anticipation, as theatre goers swarmed Nachghar after a long hiatus brought upon by COVID-19 restrictions.
The drama festival began with a play titled Tathagat penned by Indian playwright Dr. Dani Karmakaar’s. Through the play, Karmakaar attempted to highlight the ills of untouchability and Lord Buddha’s stern stance towards denouncing such practices.
On the second day, the attendees got to witness playwright Bikash Joshi’s “Sirddhartha Ko Ghiha Tyaag,” highlighting Buddha’s ordeals before achieving enlightenment.
Likewise, for the duration of the festival, several depictions of Buddha’s life sprang up on stage much to the delight of both the viewers and performing artists. Apart from theatre plays, the festival also streamed performances of thespians and artists who were unable to physically attend the festival. Nisha Pahkrin’s “Tagmolhuijin” was one of them, which was streamed on the festival’s third day. Following Nisha’s play Sudip Jung Karki’s “Malini” was showcased in the theatre.
The play, which tells the story of the conflict between Hinduism and Buddhism, conveyed the message that humanity is greater than religion.
Karki’s play tells the story of Princess Malini of Kashi who grew up in a Hindu family. But convinced by the words of a Buddhist monk, she eventually converts to Buddhism. The decision fares badly for the princess. The devout conservative Hindus then campaign to oust Malini from the court insisting that Malini be exiled.
Malini has no problem leaving the country. As a Buddhist, she doesn’t mind giving up the extravagance and luxury of the palace.
Malini’s non-violent stance and her saintly demeanour gradually wins her the support of her Hindu compatriots thereby foiling all the conspiracies perpetrated by the unruly conservatives. The play ended with warm applause from the audience.
Such display of Buddhist wisdom continued further on the next day with paper presentation on Buddha’s philosophy followed by Man Lee’s play, “Siddhartha in Hong Kong.”
On Friday “Bimba Ko Sapana” written by Abhi Subedi was showcased by Mala Arts Academy.
The one-hour drama focused on Yashodhara’s pain. The play also told the story of Bimba –Buddha’s wife and revealed her struggles as she coped with the absence of her husband.
Playwright Subedi named Yashodhara as Bimba and presented her inner struggle.
At last, the festival concluded with the drama “Pratitya Samutpad” directed by Birendra Hamal.
The festival was jointly organised by Dabali Theatre, the Bagmati Province government and the Sanskritik Sansthan.