Kathmandu, July 19
Mandala Theatre Nepal organised the Welcome Program for the students of the Mandala Drama School (MDS), Third Batch (2026–2027), at Mandala Theatre on Friday. The program marked the formal commencement of the 18-month intensive residential theatre training program implemented under Project RANGA (Reclaiming Advocacy through Narratives, Debates, Grassroots Theatre and Arts), funded by the European Union.
Mandala Drama School is a flagship initiative of Mandala Theatre Nepal that aims to nurture a new generation of socially conscious playmakers, theatre educators, writers, directors, and cultural leaders from across Nepal. The Third Batch brings together 15 students selected through a competitive nationwide selection process.
The Welcome Program was chaired by Buddhiram Tamang, Chairperson of Mandala Theatre-Nepal, with Véronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union to Nepal, attending as the Guest of Honour. The event was graced by distinguished guests representing government institutions, academia, development partners, and the theatre community.
The 18-month residential program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences required to become socially engaged and independent theatre practitioners capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities and the broader cultural landscape of Nepal.
The program featured a keynote speech by Nand Kishor Yadav, representative from GIZ Civil Peace Service, who shared his experiences with the previous batches of Mandala Drama School and reflected on the transformative role that theatre education has played in shaping young theatre practitioners. He highlighted the growth, achievements, and contributions of former students and expressed their continued support for nurturing emerging artists committed to social engagement and creative excellence.
The program also featured a keynote address by Véronique Lorenzo, who highlighted the importance of theatre as a powerful medium for dialogue, cultural preservation, and social transformation. Appreciating Mandala Theatre Nepal’s continued efforts to nurture emerging theatre practitioners from diverse communities across Nepal, she encouraged the students to remain curious, courageous, and committed to using art as a force for positive change. She further inspired the young theatre-makers to embrace their creativity, amplify diverse voices, and contribute meaningfully to building a more inclusive and compassionate society through theatre.
The students and guests also witnessed a welcome performance by the Mandala Alumni Circle, celebrating the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence that lies at the heart of the Mandala Drama School.
Following the Welcome Program, the selected students will formally begin their academic journey at Mandala Drama School and participate in an intensive residential learning experience designed to prepare them as independent, socially conscious, and community-engaged theatre-makers.
The program formally concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Buddhiram Tamang, who extended his sincere gratitude to the European Union, consortium partners, Debate Network Nepal (DNN) and Campaign for Change (CfC), all distinguished guests, and everyone whose continued support and collaboration have made this initiative possible.
