Third edition of NITFest kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 20:The 3rd edition of the Nepal International Theatre Festival (NITFest) began at Mandala Theatre, Thapa Gaun, Kathmandu, on Wednesday.

 The festival was inaugurated by Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Nisha Sharma.

 Inaugurating the festival, she said, “When we established Aarohan Gurukul in 2000, artists dreamed of taking theatre to new heights. Remembering that day and seeing today’s progress makes me very happy. I proudly say that the new generation of artists has been carrying forward the theatre scene remarkably well.”

Chancellor Sharma further added that foreigners visit Nepal not only to see the Himalayas but also to understand its art and culture. However, despite holding a government position, she admitted that the sector has not progressed as was desired due to budget constraints.

Welcoming the audience, NITFest Chairman and actor Dayahang Rai said, “From the journey of theatre in the past to today, the older generation has passed on their knowledge and experience to us. Now, our generation is in the process of passing on what we have learned to the next generation. By the third edition of the festival, we are practising this knowledge transfer under the theme of Raithane (indigenous) Wisdom.”

The festival, which began on Wednesday will run until March 25.

The festival is scheduled to stage 17 plays from 12 countries. 

Along with theatre performances, the festival includes poetry recitations, music, dance exhibitions, and other programmes.

 The opening play, Umlindo Kharani Ra Lemlemma, directed by Pashupati Rai, was staged first followed by poetry recitations from 23 poets.

 The first day’s events concluded with a musical performance titled Folktronics by Kiran Nepali and Dipson Putuwar.