Put together by Mandala Theater Nepal and the drama department of Rastriya Nach Ghar, Charandas Chor (Charandas the thief) is a famous play written by the Indian playwright Habib Tanvir.[break]
“It’s a folktale about a thief who eventually suffers due to his honest principles,” summarizes Dayahang Rai, who plays the lead role of Charandas. “We’re putting on a translated version of the play,” he shares of the classic folktale, which was adapted into a movie by director Shyam Benegal in 1975.
“The Nepali version of the play has been performed a few times before,” says Khatiwada, who in turn had performed as one of the main protagonists in Rai’s direction ‘Maila.com’ in September 2009.
Khatiwada’s Charandas Chor consists of live music directed by Bibek Manandhar. The entire crew, including those behind the proscenium, consists of 22 people. The youngest member is Sharun Luitel, who plays the flute.
“Sharan is a Grade Ten student from Pathshala where I conduct workshops frequently with the drama club there,” informs Khatiwada.
Approximately one hour and a half long, Khatiwada’s version of Chanrandas Chor consists of Mandala Theater Nepal members and students from Rastriya Nach Ghar.
“We also have some new artists in this play. Kameshwar Chaurasia from the Tarai is among them,” puts in the director.
Charandas Chor will be performed at the Nach Ghar from May 14-16. Entry fees: Rs 50, Rs 100. The first day is limited to invitations only.
WHAT IS ART?
“Art to me is like a third eye which opens up a different perspective. It’s a combination of both reality and imagination,” states Rajan Khatiwada, who has been working professionally, as an actor and director, in the theater field for over 12 years now.
After being involved with Gurukul for six years, Khatiwada went on to open Mandala Theater Nepal in 2009 with seven other young avid theater lovers from different fields such as dance, music and film.
“Art (theater in this case) isn’t just for entertainment but for the betterment of the society as well,” furthers the former telecommunication employee, sitting inside the tech booth of the Rastriya Nach Ghar auditorium.
Khatiwada feels that art and social activism should be at par.
“Art is about addressing the societal concerns of the people but not through political propaganda.” He gives an example, “Stories reflecting social inequalities such as rich zamindars (landlords) and poor farmers are more likely to leave an impact on viewers than just serve the purpose of entertainment.”
Before one can participate in a theater production, Khatiwada feels that the person needs to learn the basics of theater from how to stand to how to walk and speak.
“On stage, you aren’t yourself but portraying a character. You always have to keep that in mind as an actor,” he advises.
While actors and their ability to carry different roles are essential to a successful production, Khatiwada attributes the magic of theatre to other aspects as well.
“The strength of theater is light because it’s capable of changing the same place into something entirely different within seconds,” he says, fiddling with the faders on the light board in front of him.
“Light is magic,” he smiles.
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