A folklore-based play ‘Kubhindoko Katha’, which is set in Kham Magar culture in western Nepal, is being staged in Mandala Theatre. The play vows to take the audience close to nature with its theme centering on diversity in self and appearance.

The literal translation of the title of the play is ‘The story of an ash gourd’ and carries the message of how every individual is unique with one’s own strengths and weaknesses.

Dayahang Rai, an acclaimed actor and the founding chairperson of the Mandala Theatre, is the play’s director. Rai says his team underwent an extensive research process to protect the integrity and the authenticity of the community represented in the play. “It was an exciting and artistic process,” said Rai.

The protagonist of ‘Kubindhoko Katha’ is Khima. She has faced many rejections in life due to her physical appearance and this leads to her developing an inferiority complex that prevents her from opening up to others. The play takes the audience through Khima’s journey and how she navigates her life and that of her villagers when a drought grips her village.

The play is written by Pranish Magar, a native of Sudurpaschim province and a familiar name in the Nepali theatre scene.

The play is 105 minutes long.

The play’s tickets are priced at Rs 300 (from Tuesdays to Thursdays) and Rs 500 (from Fridays to Sundays).

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What: ‘Kubhindo ko Katha’

Where: Mandala Theatre, Lakhe Chaur Marg, Kathmandu

When: December 3–January 1

Time: 1 pm (only on Saturdays) and 4:30 pm daily