Pokhara Theatre stages in schools

By Phadindra Adhikari,Kaski, Aug. 15: The dramatic method is considered very effective in teaching. Moreover, as the content of the curriculum is staged in schools, students receive education along with entertainment. 

Pokhara Theatre of Kaski District is currently staging plays in various schools of the district and neighbouring districts.

The famous novel ‘Ek Chihan’ by the writer Hriday Chandra Singh Pradhan has been adapted into a theatrical production directed by the founder of Pokhara Theatre, Parivartan.

Since August 2019, the theatre has staged more than 200 shows in Kaski, Nawalpur, and Parbat districts. The play ‘Ek Chihan’ is being performed in different schools in Lamjung for three days from August 14 to 16.

Director Parivartan said, “After Lamjung, we will be showing the play in Dulegaunda of Tanahun from September 12 to 14. We are excited by the response from students, teachers, and drama lovers.”

Actors in the play include Pramila Tulachan, Janak Parajuli, Roshni Ramdam, Dhankaji Shrestha, Rameshbabu Timilsina, Parivartan, Rabindra Malla, Uma Pun, Prakash Regmi, Elisa Bhog, Dipsana Bishwakarma, Ranju Dahal, Susan Paudel, Milan Shrestha, Ajay JC, Rohit Paudel, Rubina Magar, and Prateek Ghimire.

Nepali teacher Krishna Udasi, who is also an established playwright/director, said that the theatre method was highly effective for teaching and learning. “It teaches the new generation that drama is not only entertainment but also a means of portraying society effectively,” said Udasi.

Udasi’s words have been applied to Pokhara Theatre as well. Director Parivartan said that the group, which has been building and operating the drama house 2017, has adopted this method to bring drama to students, teachers, and other literature lovers. Pokhara Theatre has organised drama festivals in five schools so far.

The play ‘Ek Chihan’ was chosen for staging because of its strong dramatic elements. Parivartan claimed that Pokhara Theatre had presented this play to more than 40,000 viewers so far.

The one-and-a-half-hour play addresses the disharmony that still exists in society even after the 1951 movement was successful.

 Parivartan said, “We have transformed the drama so that the story does not fade. We are also making modifications based on feedback from experts and viewers to ensure that the main character, society and the original message remain strong.” About 100 actors have emerged from the acting classes of the theatre, with some continuously performing. Recently, schools in the area have started holding acting classes and arranging special bookings for students to watch plays. ‘Ek Chihan’ is taught as part of the compulsory Nepali subject for class 12.