Exploring the Avant-Garde: A New Theatre Workshop in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is set to host a groundbreaking four-day workshop designed to push the boundaries of theatrical performance. From January 28th to January 31st, the Katha Ghera Studio will become a hub for creative exploration, led by acclaimed playwright and performer Anooj Bhandari. This initiative, a collaborative effort with Katha Ghera, aims to empower participants to craft short, impactful theatrical pieces that challenge conventional norms.
The core of the workshop revolves around the creation of “2 Minute Theatre.” This format encourages participants to distill their observations and experiences into concise, potent performances. The focus is on theatre that breaks away from traditional structures, instead drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of everyday life. Each participant will be guided to develop two-minute pieces that are deeply rooted in their personal narratives and observations of the world around them.
Workshop Details:
- Dates: January 28 to January 31, 2026
- Venue: Katha Ghera Studio, Kathmandu
- Daily Schedule: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Registration Fee: Rs1,500 per participant
- Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available to ensure wider accessibility.
The workshop is meticulously designed to cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment. Playwrights, performers, and directors will have the opportunity to engage with each other, share ideas, and refine their craft in a dynamic setting. The intensive daily schedule, running from midday to early evening, will allow for deep dives into the creative process, from initial concept development to polished performance.
Anooj Bhandari brings a wealth of international experience to this project. His association with the United States-based experimental theatre collective, the New York Neo-Futurists, has provided him with a unique perspective on innovative performance practices. Currently serving as a Fulbright Scholar in Nepal, Bhandari is keen to leverage his expertise to foster local talent and promote a more experimental approach to theatre within the country. This initiative with Katha Ghera is a testament to his commitment to nurturing emerging artists and exploring the diverse stories that exist within the community.
The culmination of the workshop will be a public showcase. On January 31st, at 6:00 pm, the Kausi Theatre will host a special performance featuring the works developed by the workshop participants. This public showing offers a platform for the artists to present their creations to a wider audience and celebrate their journey of exploration and discovery. It’s an opportunity for theatre enthusiasts to witness fresh, innovative performances that emerge from the heart of everyday experience.
The Philosophy Behind 2 Minute Theatre
The concept of “2 Minute Theatre” is not merely about brevity; it’s a deliberate artistic choice. In a world saturated with information and demanding constant engagement, a two-minute piece has the power to capture attention, evoke emotion, and deliver a potent message with remarkable efficiency. It challenges creators to be precise, impactful, and imaginative within strict parameters. This exercise in constraint often leads to unexpected creative breakthroughs and forces a deeper understanding of storytelling essentials.
The workshop will delve into various aspects of this micro-theatrical form, including:
- Concept Generation: Identifying compelling everyday experiences and translating them into theatrical ideas.
- Scriptwriting: Crafting concise and effective dialogue and stage directions.
- Performance Techniques: Developing physical and vocal strategies to convey meaning within a limited timeframe.
- Directorial Vision: Guiding the narrative and performance elements to create a cohesive whole.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with fellow participants to bring diverse perspectives to the creative process.
Registration and Participation
Interested individuals are invited to submit an application to participate in this transformative workshop. The registration fee is set at Rs1,500. Recognizing that financial constraints can sometimes be a barrier to artistic development, the organizers have made need-based scholarships available. This ensures that the opportunity to engage with innovative theatre practices is accessible to a broad spectrum of aspiring artists.
The collaborative spirit fostered by Bhandari and Katha Ghera is central to the workshop’s ethos. By creating a safe and encouraging space, participants are empowered to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and discover their unique artistic voices. The focus on personal stories and everyday experiences ensures that the resulting theatre is relatable, authentic, and deeply resonant. This initiative promises to be a significant event in Kathmandu’s burgeoning theatre scene, offering a fresh perspective on performance and storytelling.
