‘Kandata & Shakuntala’-Humanity’s coexistence with divine and nature (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: The drama “Kandata & Shakuntala” has been staged at Mandala Theatre.

On the occasion of the 3rd Nepal International Theatre Festival, two shows of the drama were staged on Thursday. The first show was staged at noon and the second at 4 p.m.

The concepts of Puppet Theatre or “Puppetry” have been beautifully used to create the “Kandata & Shakuntala.” Audiences can also feel the vibes of the Bunraku; a  Japanese traditional puppet theatre.

The 45-minute drama, Kandata & Shakuntala, is based on Kalidasa and Akutagawa Ryunosuke’s stories. Two timeless tales intertwine in this theatrical performance, bringing together the Buddhist parable of Kandata’s torment in hell and the revered Mahabharata story of Shakuntala.

Though their fates will never cross, they are bound by a shared struggle—each resisting the destiny imposed upon them. Rooted in the indigenous spiritual beliefs of Asia, this performance invites audiences to reflect on humanity’s coexistence with the divine and nature in a chaotic world.

‘Aakash ko Bato’ at Mandala Theatre (Photo Feature)

Erina Saji, Shibasaki Chikako, Tomoi Eri, Elina Charming, Shankar Bhandari, Saujan Senehang, Shova Karki, Raunak Karki, and Pooja Dhakal  are the artists from Nepal and Japan, who added life to the characters in the drama.

Ota Yutaka  has given the music for the play. The credit for Puppet Design and Choreography goes to Erina Saji . Motegi Mari is the assistant. Shoji Moe  is the Overseas Production Manager. Theatre Mall, Nepal, and Utervision Company, Japan have co-produced the drama.

The play is a joint production of artists from Japan and Nepal. Theatre Mall, Nepal, and Utervision Company, Japan have presented the drama. Utervision is a collective of international artists of diverse genres. In 2015, the company embarked on international collaborative projects with an aspiration to create unparalleled performance works and to share them with the local audience across the globe.

‘Relying on the imagination of the performers and the audience, to set up a fictional world on an empty stage. That the physicality of the Nepalese and the Japanese creates a more complex personality for the puppets,’ director Erina Saji said, ‘Through these two challenges, I hope to reflect on faith, human, and God.’

Saji began her career as an actress in productions directed by the world-renowned Yukio Ninagawa. Her work has been showcased both nationally and internationally, earning acclaim for its depth and originality.

The additional shows of the drama have been scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on 23rd March at Narayani Kala Mandir, Chitwan. Another show was staged at 6 p.m. on 25th March, at Tamu Buddhist Monastery Hall, Belbari.

(Glimpses from Kandata & Shakuntala)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)

Nepali version of the photo story