KATHMANDU, August 5: Sarwanam Theater is staging Arko Kurukshetra, a new play, written by Sampada Malla and directed by Ashesh Malla, the founder of Sarwanam Theater. The play is scheduled to start from August 9. Actress Usha Rajak is playing the lead role.

Sarwanam Theater is known for staging plays on human rights, politics and social issues. They pioneered street plays in Nepal.

The Arko Kurukshetra team is working hard to give a solid performance next week. “We bring plays not just to entertain the people, but also give message on call for social change. This drama focuses on the mindset that dominates women,” said Ashesh Malla, the director of the play.

As the protagonist of the play, Usha Rajak is embodying woman in different forms. The play connects various events from scriptures and myths, all of which show the status of women in our society, said Malla. "Rajak boldly plays the role of every single character that justifies the term 'women empowerment'," he added. 

Malla describes Arko Kurukshetra as an 'insanely beautiful' play that makes the audience reflect on where our society is when it comes to the freedom of women. 

“We proudly talk about modernization and evolution, but we have a lot to work on true emancipation of women,” Malla further clarified. 

“Different roles that Rajak plays in this drama portray the situation of female in our society. Every woman can relate to at least one of the characters that Rajak plays,” Malla added.

Rajak says she feels lucky to play the role of a lead actor in such a powerful play. “Every line is what I have always wanted to say. There are beauty and boldness in every character I represent,” she said. Rajak sees the drama as an attempt to exemplify the ongoing tussle between traditional and modern times. 

Rajak previously worked as a model, journalist and also in a project with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP). But she explains that no work has made her so proud. 

“I don't expect, but even if we can change the perspective of one person through this drama, it will be a great achievement,”Rajak said. “Honestly, I don't regret returning Nepal and working with this team in Sarwanam.”

"It took me a lot of time to write this play because it connects to different ideas of a woman in our society," says Sampada Malla. She has been writing for movies and plays since her return from Mumbai, Bollywood's capital, a few years ago.

The play will have its first show on August 9, Friday at Sarwanam Theater in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. 

 
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