MAD-Fest kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 6: The theatrical festival MAD-Fest 2024,’ organised by former students of Mandala Theatre, began at Mandala Theatre on Friday. 

The three-day festival was inaugurated with the staging of the play ‘Railway to Nowhere,’ directed by Sanyog Guragain.

Director of ‘MAD- Fest’ Anup Neupane, said that like the title of the festival, the event was made possible by the passion and awakening of the youth. “Even though the name of the festival is Mad, it represents a particular kind of madness. We have started this fest to find opportunities for ourselves,” added director Neupane.

Sunita Dangol, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, inaugurated the festival.

Theatre has a close relationship with Kathmandu. Dramas used to be performed in ‘Dabali’ in Kathmandu. This kind of drama festival should continue and Kathmandu Metropolitan City is always ready to cooperate in a successful of such festivals, said Dangol.

‘Uncle’ Teknath Parajuli, who has served food, lunch, and tea to many artists of Mandala, was invited as a guest in the programme as a mark of respect. 

He was happy to participate in such a festival organised by the artists he served.

 “My little brothers and sisters who used to eat at my place have grown up and organised such a big event,” said the uncle.

 Six plays will be staged at this festival, which will run from July 5 to 7.

 Along with ‘Railway to Nowhere,’ other plays including ‘Mirror’,  ‘Shilpini’,  ‘Nugdha’, ‘Agam’ and ‘Ankuran’ will be staged during the three-day festival.