KATHMANDU, JAN 12 -

Kaleidoscopic Picture, a college-level drama competition will begin at the Rashtriya Nach Ghar, Jamal from February 1. The event, conceptualised by actor and director Akash Adhikari—whose new film Kathmandu is set to be released two days later, on February 3—will see seven colleges from Kathmandu going head to head in a bid to win the event finals. Drama troupes from colleges such as Global, Rata Bangla, Kings and Times are currently auditioning to get into the preliminary shortlist of 20.

With the theme ‘Kathmandu and its changing attributes,’ the contest will witness plays that incorporate issues such as youth psychology and drugs. Reputed theatre personality Birendra Hamal will be co-ordinating Kathmandu: Kaleidoscopic Picture. Hamal has also been judging the auditions along with Adhikari. “The competition will bring together Kathmandu’s youth and help them relate the issues and problems of the city,” says Kishwor Karki, the event co-ordinator.

The competition, besides being a promotional event for Kathmandu—a film based on multiple issues related to Kathmandu’s numerous suburbs, is also a celebration of sorts as it will feature live painting, and songs and dances by veteran artists.

“I wanted to present my observations on Kathmandu, and I did it through  Kathamandu. I believe that anyone can create his/her own version of stories of the city, and this drama competition could very well be the perfect way of inducing teenagers to think about these issues,” says Adhikari.