It is not a new phenomenon that hundreds of Nepalis are leaving the country, hoping for better education, employment, and overall quality of life. Even as I write this, many youths are waiting at the airport for their flights to foreign lands. There are various reasons behind this exodus, one of which is industrial shutdowns. The closure of factories has led many Nepalis to lose their jobs, compelling them to leave the country.
What are the effects of industrial shutdowns, why should these factories be revived, and why is it important to become independent?
While it is uncertain when these closed industries will reopen, these questions hold great significance, especially in times like this; where people rapidly leave the country due to a lack of employment opportunities.
If only these factories were reopened, thousands of people could find employment and would not have to leave the country. If you want to know the answers to these questions, you must watch “Yugko Saancho,” a play currently being staged at Shilpee Theatre, Kathmandu. The play vividly and artistically answers them.
Journey to Moon Industry
The play first takes us to the street where a female character, played by Jyoti Pokharel, is selling passport covers. After a while, we are introduced to Abha, played by Sheela Niraula, the daughter of the passport cover seller. Abha talks about her dreams of getting a job after her Secondary Education Examination, but her mother is doubtful as to who will provide a job for her.
As their conversation goes on, the mother gets irritated by Abha’s habit of shopping, which Abha does in the hope of finding a Yugko Saancho—a key that can be found by purchasing random items—which will provide an opportunity to visit Moon Industry.
The owner of Moon Industry, Moon Miss, played by Akanchha Karki, has created jobs for women and youths and is looking for a successor who could effectively contribute to the factory and the entire nation.
Luckily, Abha finds the Yugko Saancho, but in an unexpected way.
This is how the play “Yugko Saancho,” which can be roughly translated as “Key of the Era,” begins.
Directed by Tanka Chaulagain, Yugko Saancho is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Yugko Saancho depicts the socio-political context of the country, featuring stories of people from different walks of life who are striving for success. While some people want to achieve success through struggle and fair play, others want it selfishly and through shortcuts.
Like Abha, four other families have found the Yugko Saancho. All of them reach Moon Industry, located in Hetauda. They meet each other and enter the industry under the guidance of Moon Miss. Now they are present to compete against each other for the special prize.
So, who will win the special prize? Find it out by watching the play.
Symbolism and setting
As the characters enter the industry, we see a fancy setting of a textile factory. Different machines are placed in the factory. The creators have done an excellent job building the setting, making the audience feel like they have entered a textile factory in real.
The play Yugko Saancho employs various symbols. The key, known as Yugko Saancho, symbolises a gateway to success and a quality life that everyone seeks.
Another strong symbol in the play is the disappearance of characters from the stage. This symbolises how we are losing our human resources due to political instability, corruption, and factory closures.
The character of the political leader, Pushpa Raj Awasthi, is also symbolic. His role signifies how the selfish nature of political leaders has impeded the growth and development of the nation.
Music, humour and youthful insights
Besides the strong use of symbols, the power of this play also lies in its music. Musicians Anup Timilsina (Fokto) and Broshin Broz Maharjan have done an outstanding job. Their music adds a sense of joy to the play.
Regarding the genre, it is a child-friendly production. The humour used throughout keeps the audience engaged with its comical elements. Additionally, the play features trendy language that is easily relatable to Gen Z.
The character of Moon Miss is another interesting aspect of the play. Her enigmatic role makes it difficult to distinguish whether she has a positive or negative attitude. However, she makes the audience realise why we are failing as a nation, highlighting the importance of youth in nation-building. Her dialogues grow a concern over the future of the country.
Overall, Yugko Saancho is an interesting show. Everyone, especially children, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and political leaders, is highly recommended to watch this play.
Yugko Saancho will run through August 3, every day except Tuesday, at 5:30 pm at Shilpee Theatre, Kathmandu. There will be an additional show on Saturday at 1:00 pm.
