Mannu Bhandari’s Play: Mahabhoj
Playwright: Mannu Bhandari
Translator: Viplob Pratik
Director: Anup Baral
Group: Mandala Theatre, Nepal
Language: Nepali
Duration: 2 hrs 20 mins
The Play
Mannu Bhandari tells a story of how politics, press and police are connected with each other, and how the vulnerable voiceless people are caged in a ‘chakravyuha’. She has scripted this play from her popular novel Mahabhoj. The news of a death in the village and violent activities happening around, spread to the city, influencing the media and setting fire in the centre of politics and police force. Will that fire calm down or become a burning coal of questions?
Director’s Note
The picture of social and political conflicts experienced by the society should be reflected on the canvas of theatre in a lively way. This is my trust, and that trust has stimulated me to choose Mahabhoj. Politics is one of the finest practices in governance. But, if it is guided by corrupt thoughts, its nexus leads the society towards a weak state. Mahabhoj is the mirror of that corrupt nexus.
This is my ensemble with three generations of artists which I believe has created a new dynamics. I have tried to explore the painting techniques of renaissance period in this play. Chiaroscuro and Sfumato have been used in light design. I wanted to retell the story of Mahabhoj as if we are seeing contemporary events in a historical time frame. Almost monochromatic costumes, sets and props used in the play are a conscious choice.
The Director
Anup Baral is a renowned theatre director, actor and concept artist from Nepal. He has a master’s degree in acting from the National School of Drama, New Delhi, India. During his two decade long journey, he has directed and conceptualized more than three dozen plays and performed as an actor too. His strong presence in Nepali theatre has been a source of inspiration for theatre lovers, theatre activists and practitioners.
The Playwright
Mannu Bhandari is an Indian author, known for her Hindi novels, Aapka Bunty and Mahabhoj. Bhandari’s works reflect the changing moods of the society, as they shape her writing and subject matter. Modernism, prevailing social issues and transformations, contemporary social situations, daily struggles of an individual have all played a part in impacting and influencing Bhandari’s works.
The Group
Mandala Theatre, Nepal is a group committed to develop and practice a creative style that is strongly based on Nepali theatre and culture, as well as deeply rooted in its desire to be a strong and aesthetic voice for social justice, political awareness and human rights. It owns a theatre centre in Anamnagar, Kathmandu where regular theatre shows are staged.
Cast & Credit
Atal Singh Dayahang Rai / Buddhi Tamang
Ramesh Bikram Ramesh Budhathoki
Bisu Rajan Khatiwada
Rita Chamling Sirjana Subba
Rishikesh Viplob Pratik
Sijapati Bijay Baral
Bhawani Giri Som Nath Khanal
Juddhabir Pradip Kumar Chaudhary
ASI D K Singh Bikash Joshi
Sonam Umesh Tamang
Dinesh Babu Panta Shekhar Chapagain
Katuwal Ghanashyam Joshi
Sapana/Villager Sapana Chaudhary
Jamuna Sushma Niraula
Gauri/DIG’s Wife Pramila Khanal
Rushma Ranjana Oli
Head Constable/Villager Sagar Dahal
Tirthe Kailo/Villager Arjesh Regmi
Jogeshwar/Villager Sabin Ghalan
Binod Milan Karki
DIG Raj Neupane
Shambhu/Villager C K Bista
Hira/Villager Devin Chaudhary
Mohan Singh/Villager Kabiraj Rai
Mahesh Sandeep Shrestha
Narayan/Villager Rijan Pariyar
Music Director Utsav Budhathoki
Sound Craft Dev Neupane
Sound Operator Chhejing Bhotia
Light Designer Umesh Tamang
Light Operator Vijaya Karki
Multimedia Operator Sachin Lama
Choreography Deeya Maskey
Set Designer Bimal Subedi
Set Constructers Hum B C/Johnen Kshetri
Set Painting Bikash Tamakhu/Sanisa Makaju
Costume Designer Arpana Nagarkoti/Sunu Rai
Poster Sketch Anamika Gautam
Graphic Designer Siddhanta Pudasaini
Photographer Nabin Babu Gurung
Videography Foto Crystal
Social Media Sagar Prasain
Box Office Nabina Aryal
Finance Govind Parajuli/Santosh Ghimire
Backstage Volunteers Abhishek Sharma/Deenju Karki/Sanjay Gupta
Stage Manager Bijay Baral/Rijan Pariyar
Production Designer Dev Neupane
Assistant Director Som Nath Khanal
Script Translator/Lyrics Viplob Pratik
Playwright Mannu Bhandari
Director Anup Baral
Contacts
Director, Mandala Theatre
Anamnagar-32, Kathmandu
Nepal- 044600
M: +977 15705761, 9849296461
E: program@mandalatheatre.com