Biratnagar laps up Gurukul’s plays

Manoj Shrestha

BIRATNAGAR: Gurukul, which has opened up its own theatre hall in the eastern region in Bhattachowk, Biratnagar, is gradually gaining popularity here. Guru of Gurukul Sunil Pokharel said that they have been performing their shows to houseful audiences though it has hardly been only a fortnight since they started shows in the area.

Gurukul kicked off its show from October 11 in Biratnagar with the opening of a grand theatre festival.

According to Pokharel, people mainly from rural areas are attracted to theatre. They performed Agni Ko Katha for the first three days and also staged Jat Sodhnu Jogiko.

“We hope to make a mark and be fully established here soon if the audience keeps loving us in this way,” said Pokharel.

Culture expert of Biratnagar Dipendra Thapa remarked that Gurukul’s plays have gained popularity in a short span of time adding, “This will also help to preserve our culture.”

The audience’s response has been good and said that the plays have become popular as the subject matters of the dramas were of public interest.

Altogether eight dramas will be staged during the monthlong festival. Five of them have been directed by Pokharel, which include Agni Ko Katha, Mayadevi Ko Sapana, Doll’s House, Dr Kanak and The Just. Similarly, Jaat Sodhnu Jogiko directed by Anup Baral, Tarabaji Lailai directed by Motarn Croz are also being staged.

Another attraction of the festival is the Maithali play Chutaha Ghail, written and directed by Mahendra Mangalia. All other plays are in Nepali except Chutaha Ghail.

Gurukul is staging these plays in its own building in Biratnagar, which has been named Sushila Koirala Theatre Hall. The name was chosen as Koirala had acted and directed a drama in the eastern region for the first time. The hall has been constructed on the land provided by the government on lease for 20 years. The Norwegian government has given assistance for the construction of the hall.

The theatre can accommodate around 225 people and incorporates all facilitates such as control room, hostel for trainees, generator room, parking among others.

Lauding Gurukul’s step littérateur Bibas Pokharel said, “Gurukul has worked for the development of theatre in the eastern region.”

According to organisers, audiences from Jhapa, Ilam Dhankuta among other districts of eastern region are thronging Biratnagar to watch the plays staged during the festival, which will continue till November 10.