One of the pioneers of modern Nepali theatre, Sunil Pokharel, has come up with his new directorial venture, Jaymaya Aafu Matrai Lekhapani Aaipugi (Jayamaya Arrives to Lekhapani, Alone). The play will be staged at Mandala Theatre in Anamnagar starting April 14, on the occasion of Nepali New Year’s day.

Pokharel, who has so far directed over four dozen plays, bases his latest output on Darjeeling-based writer and critic Indra Bahadur Rai’s story of the same name. Told from the point of view of Jayamaya, the play’s protagonist, the story is about a community of Nepalis living in Burma, and them fleeing back to Nepal in the wake of World War II. Only Jayamaya completes the arduous journey.

This is the second time Pokharel is adapting one of Rai’s story on stage; prior to this, in 2014, Pokharel, a self-confessed fan of Rai, had adapted Jar.

Speaking to the Post, director Pokharel said that in Rai’s story he saw the seeds of a film rather than of a drama. “Actually, initially I wanted to adapt this story into a film. The story has struck me with how powerful it was the first time I read it, and now, although I am not sure of the outcome, I am adapting it onto stage,” Pokharel said, adding that, all things even, he also plans to adapt the story into a film in the near future.

Like many audiences and artists elsewhere, the play has excited Anup Baral, another of Nepal’s theatre heavyweights, who has worked with Pokharel in over hald dozen plays. Acknowledging how he finds a certain “chemistry and tuning” while working with Pokharel, Baral said, “He has this power, rare as it is, to turn his work into a reflection of our contemporary society. Needless to say, I love his work and look forward to watching his new venture.”

The play involves a crew of 22 students, all of whom are Pokharel’s students learning the art of theatre with the project, Gyan: Discover Yourself with Sunil Pokharel.

“I am glad to get a chance to work with my guru. This is a great opportunity for me,” said Sunisha Bajagain, who plays the eponymous protagonist of the play.  

The play also features a live music by the duo Utsab Budathoki and Bishow Raj Kafle.

Jaymaya Aafu Matrai Lekhapani Aaipugi will be staged starting this Friday at Mandala Theatre, in Anamnagar, and will be on stage every day (except for Mondays) through May 14.