Buddha Drama festival begins

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 28: The 3rd edition of  the Buddha Drama Festival began at Rastriya Nachghar in Kathmandu on Monday. 

 The five-day Buddhist Drama Festival has begun with the aim of spreading the messages of Buddha through the stage, said the organiser. 

This festival started on the occasion of the 62nd World Theatre Day. 

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Cooperatives, Bagmati Province, Cultural Institute and Dabali Theatre, the festival will continue till March 31.

Altogether, seven plays will be staged in the festival.

Play 'Chandalika' was staged at the opening ceremony of the festival.

 Directed by Maya Thapa, this play of about half an hour focuses on the story of a young woman who was cursed by her relatives while serving water to the monks. But later this play gives a message that peace comes with the blessings of the monk.

Theatre artist Anup Baral was awarded with Dabali Theatre Award with a purse of Rs. 50,000 amid the opening ceremony of the festival. 

Among the plays selected for  the festival are  ‘Three Laughing Monks’ directed by Prashant Bagale, ‘Pratibimba’ directed by Nikita Gurung, Pattachar directed by Geeta Thapa, Paschatap directed by Barsha Bhandari, ‘Amrapali’ directed by Sasmila Magar and ‘Chakshu’ directed by Birendra Hamal.