Kathmandu, August 23
A two-week residential documentary theatre workshop will be held in Bardiya to portray the stories, memories, and history of citizens who disappeared during the armed conflict. Mandala Theatre Nepal is organising the workshop in collaboration with the Disappeared Citizens’ Memorial Park in Bardiya and with support from Civil Peace Service.
Running from September 27 to October 8, the workshop will include 20 participants in total, 6 from Kathmandu and 14 from Bardiya. Applications are being invited from interested theatre practitioners, civic activists, family members of disappeared persons, and members of affected communities.
Organisers say the workshop will primarily draw on records, memorabilia, and oral testimonies preserved at the Disappeared Citizens’ Memorial Park in Bardiya. Participants will learn how to translate real-life events into theatrical scenes, the ethical considerations involved in using personal stories, and the process of collective theatre-making.
The workshop’s lead facilitator will be theatre director Chesong Kim, who holds an MFA from Columbia University in New York. On the final day, participants will present their theatrical production at the Disappeared Citizens’ Memorial Park. A short documentary will also be produced covering the entire theatre-making process and workshop.
Full travel and accommodation will be arranged for participants coming from Kathmandu, while Bardiya-based participants will be provided lodging during the residential phase; free meals will be provided for all participants.
Those interested in participating must submit their applications to mpbt@mandalatheatre.com by September 4.
