Adapted from 'Lato Pahad', writer Upendra Subba's collection of stories, the play, also named 'Lato Pahad', is getting enthusiastic reviews from the audience who has been singing its praises ever since it was staged on July 16. Directed by Kiran Chamling Rai, the play is based on two stories—'Manmaya' and 'Prabhu Maila'—from the collection, and invites us to laugh and feel deeply at the story unfolding in front of us. He has been able to get fine performances out of all his actors, and has paid attention to detail. Rai is a theater actor who has been part of plays like 'Coma', 'Majipa Lakhe', and 'Yellow Comedy'.
"I had an interest in directing and I had talked to Yubaraj dai about it. I wasn't doing anything right after the earthquake and that was when he gave me 'Lato Pahad' to read," he says. For the first-time director, this has been a pleasant three weeks.
Upendra brings 'Lato Pahad'
How did you decide on these two stories?
All the stories in 'Lato Pahad' were extremely evocative of Panchthar district where I grew up. I felt more connected to the stories of 'Manmaya' and 'Prabhu Maila' because they dealt with subject matters like female education, religion, etc, that are contextual even today.
Why do you think the play is getting favorable attention from viewers?
The play is essentially about the lives of people in remote areas. So it doesn't matter that it is based on the lives of people in eastern Nepal. It speaks to everyone, from eastern and western parts of the country. The culture and the people might be different in these areas but the lives are basically the same. And it's also an opportunity for people who've never been to eastern Nepal to see how people live there.
This is your first time as a director. How was your experience?
It was a crazy experience. I felt like I was spreading myself too thin sometimes because I was running around doing everything. It took me a long time to find people who can perform the chyabrung dance here in Kathmandu. There was also the apprehension of directing for the first time. Some actors would come in late for rehearsals and I had to stay calm and carry on. I also struggled with translating my vision onto the stage. I was hoping for a more elaborate stage with a waterfall and a running stream but that proved too much. There was a moment in those crazy months when I felt ready to give up and crossing that stage was very difficult but extremely rewarding.
What did Upendra Subba have to say about his stories being adapted for stage?
Once I knew I wanted to merge the two stories, I nervously called him up. Thankfully, he was extremely cool about it. It's also the first time his stories have been adapted for the stage but he told me that what I did with them depended on me. That also gave me courage to play around a bit with his works. It was a relief when he told me that he liked the play.
'Lato Pahad' will be staged every day, except Tuesdays, at 5:15 PM in Shilpee Theater,
Battisputali till August 13.
