On June 21, the members of Kausi Theatre were decorating the theatre premises. There was a different energy around the theatre. With joyful hustle and bustle, the atmosphere was vibrant as everyone there was excited to celebrate the theatre’s fifth anniversary.
The excitement reached new heights as they unveiled their newly built studio space, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. However, it did not stop there as the theatre premiered Like, Let’s Abhinaya Garau directed by Sudam CK, to mark the occasion.
Multifaceted play reminding everyday life
Like, Let’s Abhinaya Garau is a multifaceted play that shows how the socio-economic aspect of a country can affect youths in different ways. The play has masterfully examined this subject matter with artistic finesse.
The play reflects the present condition of the Nepali youth. It amplifies the voices of the youths who are going throw different phases in their life. Some are seeking opportunities abroad, others are facing an unemployment crisis and some feel they are not getting paid enough.
By addressing these relatable experiences, the play resonates with audiences, shedding light on the struggles faced by many in their daily lives.
In the play, actors sequentially take centre stage and express sentiments on those struggles. The complaints continue and this is how the play Like, Let’s Abhinaya Garau kicks off.
The play’s setting is minimalist, devoid of props or additional materials. The stage, resembling a chessboard in colour, is solely occupied by the actors. In an era when many theatres focus on elaborate sets, this production stands out by embracing simplicity and minimalism.
Unique character presentation on stage
Through dance and movements, the actors skillfully utilise the entire stage, ensuring that the unornamented setting never feels out of place throughout the play.
Another noteworthy aspect of the play is the ensemble of actors. With a total of 20 actors, this production distinguishes itself from other plays that often feature a large cast.
What sets it apart is that, unlike many productions where actors rotate in and out of the stage, all 20 actors are present on the stage throughout the play.
The actors have also justified their characters in the play. The play subtly portrays youths from diverse backgrounds sharing their personal stories, dreams, and aspirations. This approach allows the audience to connect with at least one of the characters on a relatable level, enhancing their engagement with the performance.
Certain characters in the play force people to contemplate about their past, present, and future. Their stories leave a lasting impact on the audience, encouraging them to delve deeper into their own thoughts. How? Well, you have to watch the play to find out.
Besides holding discussions on serious matters, the play also features a lot of banters that are sure to leave you in fits of laughter.
Entertaining with few glitches
In the play, the ensemble of actors skillfully employs various absurd movements to convey a message about love transcending traditional boundaries. Regardless of gender, class, or caste, the play beautifully portrays how love can blossom between individuals who defy societal norms.
Building upon the success of Aiya! Maya, Director Sudam CK maintains his calibre in employing absurd movements. Like, Let’s Abhinaya Garau further solidifies his legacy as a director who pushes creative boundaries and captivates audiences with his unique artistic vision.
Similarly, the practice of joint dialogue delivery by actors divided into eight groups is another notable thing of the play. All those joint dialogues were well-synced. It showcases the actors’ dedication and hard work, as they must have invested significant effort in perfecting their timing and dialogue delivery.
And the musician duo — Naresh Gajurel on guitar and Shivaraj Joshi on tabla— has added life to the dialogues, dance and absurd movements of the play. Their musical accompaniment enhances the overall experience, elevating the emotions and energy on stage.
The play has much more to offer but let’s not include all of them here. While the play is an entertainment package, it is not exempt from flaws. The choirs, consisting of actors themselves, were failing to hit the right notes in certain parts of the performance.
Let’s hope they will correct them in the upcoming shows.
Like, Let’s Abhinaya Garau will run through July 2 at 5:30 pm every day except on Tuesdays at Kausi Theatre, Teku, Kathmandu. There will be an additional show on Saturdays at 1:30 pm.
