KATHMANDU, March 15: The third edition of the Nepal International Theatre Festival (NITFest) will showcase 17 plays from 12 countries. Mandala Theatre is organizing the festival, which will run from March 19 to 25, festival coordinator Kedar Shrestha said.
“We received 115 plays from around the world and selected 12—10 international and two Nepali. Additionally, Mandala Theatre will present one play, local organizers from three cities will stage three plays, and a Chautari play will feature another play, bringing the total to 17 performances,” Shrestha added.
He listed the selected plays, including Nepal’s ‘Jhoda’ and ‘Sama Chako Sama Chako Ahiwa Hey’, ‘Kandata and Shakuntala’ from Japan and Nepal, ‘Aboriginal Cry’ and ‘Tamasha’ from India, ‘Mo Chou Mo Chou’ from China, ‘Asch’ from Tunisia, ‘Antigone; from Iran, Arrived from Lithuania and Spain, and ‘Charming Jingju Opera Episodes’ from China, among others.
With the theme "Theatre for Social Transformation: Illuminating Indigenous Knowledge," the festival will take place at Mandala Theatre in Kathmandu, as well as in Pokhara, Bharatpur, and Belbari.
Shrestha noted that over 100 international artists will participate, and the event will also include three workshops led by artists from Scotland, China, and Germany, along with art exhibitions, music, and dance performances.