Ishar Lakshman, a student from Bright Future Higher Secondary School, Lalitpur, was declared the best performer at the recently-concluded National Children’s One-act Drama Fest held at Shilpee Theatre, Battisputali.

The fest featured altogether thirty two plays based on various themes. Judged by veteran actors Harihar Sharma and Deshbhakta Khanal, the play The Crow and The Ant, enacted by Ishar, was honoured with the title award, along with a cash purse of Rs 5,000. The play, which has stood the test of time in Nepal’s dramaturgy, was performed by Ishar on the first day of the fest. The play runs for a duration of six minutes. All the four characters—the crow, the ant, the hunter and an old man—were portrayed by Ishar alone. 

Yuwika Khadka of United School walked away with the second prize and a cash purse of Rs 4,000. Yuwika performed the play Symbol number 0313605 and Canvas. The drama is based on the theme of how parents should encourage their children to choose a profession of their own choice.

Likewise, Rohan Tamang from Sudesha School, who performed the play Tato, and Dilip Paudel from Sainik Awasiya Mahavidhyalaya, who performed the play Baideshik Rojgar, claimed the third and forth prizes, respectively. While Sushila Budhathoki from Pioneer School, Kathmandu, bagged the fifth prize. 

Speaking at the closing function, theatre artist and director Prachanda Malla said that festivals like this play a vital role in attracting children to theatre. “In general, children these days cannot act the plays written by Balkrishna Sama. There are very few people who have come up with dramas that are based on children psychology. It would be good if we could fill this void,” Malla said. 

The festival was organised by Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School.