Dressed in a combination of orange and brown outfits with caps, eight performers are enthusiastically engaged in music. They are seen in village settings, on the streets, and at resting spots. They play instruments and sing, dance as well. There is a notable audience watching and listening to them. This scene is from the street play “Batthai Bato” presented by Kathaghera. Kathaghera is a theatre located in Kathmandu. The troupe from this theatre has been touring western Nepal since March 24. Clips from their performances are now widely shared on social media.
According to Aakansha Karki, director of Kathaghera and leader of the troupe, the play centers on women’s entrepreneurship. The storyline conveys that when women gain skills, it leads to the welfare of all. There is nothing women cannot do; they have lagged behind only because of unequal opportunities. Karki shared that the play portrays stories of characters who work inside and outside the home or who want to do something of their own but have not received support from society or family. Currently, the troupe is preparing for their final performance at Salli Bazaar in Salyan.
Karki emphasized that the play also deals with themes of gender equality and access to opportunity. So far, the Kathaghera troupe has performed in 11 locations across Sudurpashchim and Karnali Provinces—6 in Sudurpashchim and 5 in Karnali. After today’s performance, the troupe plans to return to Kathmandu. The play has received wide praise on social media, though some have offered critical remarks, particularly regarding the use of the phrase “Napuj, Nadhog”, which some critics claim attacks religion and tradition. On this matter, Karki explained that these words have been misinterpreted through distortion, clarifying that they are purely symbolic.
Director Karki also announced that the street play will be made available on YouTube on April 15.
