When the curtain rises at Sama Natak Ghar, Gurukul, Old Baneshwor today, Pathsala Theatre – an alternative theater forum formed by young theater enthusiasts – will have brought youth and theater together for an 11-day-long ‘College Theater Festival.’
Students from eight colleges will perform widely known national and international plays during the festival which starts today and will continue till February 27. Seminars on ‘Youth Involvement in Theatre’ and ‘Youths in Nepal: Challenges and Opportunities’ will also be conducted.
“We aim to bring together theater and youth and also create a platform for theater enthusiasts from different colleges to interact,” said Suman Rayamajhi, director of the festival.
“There aren’t enough opportunities for youth to engage in creative activities in Nepal,” said Rayamajhi, adding, “This festival will provide an opportunity for creative engagement and the newcomers in the field of theater will get to know about theater while those already involved will get to polish their talents.”
The festival aims to generate interest among the youth, especially the college-goers; and encourage their involvement in plays and theater. The festival will also enable the youth to learn about theatre and acting while arousing their interest and love for theater.
“Apart from the participating colleges, we have also approached other colleges to send participants in the festival and the response has been positive,” said Sabin Gnawali, coordinator of the festival.
“I think when youth develop interest in theater at a young age, they will start loving theater and will be interested throughout their lives,” opined Gnawali, adding, “I believe that the students will get encouraged to form theatre groups in their respective colleges after this festival.”
