The seventh edition of Nepal Chautari Naatak Samuha’s Playback Theatre performance took place at Manjari Theatre in Mokshada School, Gaurighat, on Friday. The drama saw an enactment of stories told by the audience, which were then brought to life by the actors, staying true to the concept of Playback Theatre.

Playback Theatre, started first in 1975 by Jonathan Fox and Joe Salas, is an improvisation theatre in which the audience members tell their stories which are then enacted by actors on the spot. 

Speaking to the Post about the performance, one of the actress and member of Chautari Group, Akanchha Karki, informed, “This kind of play is very different from rehearsed plays. Here, we listen to the stories from the audience and then playback their story. This drama is not just a form of entertainment but a therapeutic technique. These kinds of play help the storyteller rewrite the narrative and sometimes even provide closure to the painful memories.” She added, “We human beings usually tend to suppress our sad memories and not share them with others, so this play gives a chance to tell your story and even see it play out, helping the story teller to express themselves.”

The group performed four major sequences on Friday, bringing to life story about the death of a friend and childhood misdemeanours.

Speaking to the Post about the play, director of the Mokshanda School, Hari Sharad Khanal, said, “We are really happy to host Chautari Group’s play in our school premises every month. These plays have provided our students with enthusiasm to participate in this form of theatre. We at this school believe that students should 

be able to express themselves without any hesitation, so these plays have inspired them to be more outspoken about themselves, which is really great.” 

The performance takes place on the first day of every Nepali month at Manjari Theatre, starting at 4 pm.