"I started this campaign so that I can take different plays all around the country," said Pudasaini, who also directed the play.
'Jiwan Chalirahancha-1' is based on a true story. The audience is taken through the struggle of a journalist who strives for eight years to get justice. The journalist, who is portrayed by Kenipa Singh, is raped by a government official (Kamal Mani Nepal). She first files a case against him in Pokhara but he easily overthrows the case because of his powerful connections.
Though she does win the case in the end, the story shows the struggle she has to undergo in order to get the justice she deserves.
Actor Kenipa Singh does a fine job of depicting the hard life of the character. The protagonist and her journey represent the current Nepali society where opportunities are very few and mostly available only through nepotism. She comes from the far western region of Nepal. Her profession as a journalist adds to her struggles because she is not paid regularly and she often has to sleep hungry. She is also behind in her rent payment. Thus, she is in search of a new job and the government official promises to help her find a new one but betrays her trust.
The play also shows how the lack of employment forces many young people to go abroad to seek their fortune. The patriarchal society of our nation is also highlighted as we see the protagonist struggle.
Director Pudasaini stated, "I came across this incident six months ago after which I started doing my research. Then I started work on my 'Traveling Theater' three months ago. It was when I met the journalist personally that I decided to do the play."
The play casts actors Kenipa Singh, Kamal Mani Nepal, Sarita Giri, Srijana Adhikari, Suraj Shrestha, Milan Karki, Amar Bhandari, Shakti Rai, Aryan Khadka, Sandeep Shrestha, and Hemanta Chalise.
Jointly produced by One World Theater and the Music and Theater department of Nepal Sanskrit University, 'Traveling Theater' will take the play outside of Kathmandu.
'Jiwan Chalirahancha-1' will be staged until January 13 in Kathmandu.
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