The Nepali adaptation of Line, an absurdist one-act play written by American playwright Israel Horovitz, is slated to open at Shilpee Theatre, in Battisputali, on Thursday.

Produced by theatre group Katha Ghera, the Nepali version of Line is conceptualised, translated, and directed by Akanchha Karki.

“The text is universal and relevant, especially in terms of the socio-political scenario of Nepal, which motivated us to also showcase it in Kathmandu,” the producers said in a statement. Line tells the story of five individuals waiting in an undefined queue trying to come out first, with its characters using various tricks to get ahead in line.

“Using all kinds of stratagems to get ahead—some honest, some plainly clever, and some rather dubious—this static race to the top becomes a bleak metaphor of the times in which we live,” reads a statement issued by the producers of the show.

The play, particularly its portrayal of the only female character, Molly, who manipulates her male counterparts with sex, was received with suspicion when it opened at LaMama, New York, in 1967.

“I found the blatant sexism in the portrayal of Raveena’s [originally Molly] character, in the original script, problematic,” director Karki said, “In my own ways, I have attempted to defy these stereotypes. However, I do so while being cognisant of the true voices and essential nature of the characters, for example Raveena is not protected under a sacred veil even while being restored as a contemporary Nepali character.” Having played continuously at the 13th Street Repertory Theater since 1974, Line is New York’s longest-running play.

Katha Ghera’s production of Line features actors Loonibha Tuladhar, Raj Kumar Pudasainee, Sandesh Shakya, Saroj Aryal and Sudam Ck.

Line will be staged at Shilpee Theatre in Battisputali from November 2 to 19, every day at 5:30 (except for Tuesdays).