By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 3: The first phase of the week-long quarantine campaign, a virtual theatric drama festival, concluded here on Thursday with streaming the drama “Sakuntalako Authi”. But the festival has been extended for another week.
The festival had begun with the aim of connecting theatre audience through virtual media during the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government.
According to Kedar Shrestha, director of Theatre Mall, Kritipur, the initial purpose of the festival was set for a week, but with the demand of audiences, increasing number of dramas to participate in the festival and due to the extended lockdown, the drama festival has been extended for another one week.
Shrestha further added that four plays have already been confirmed for the next week’s showcase. The dramas will be centered on children, he added.
On the first day of the second week, Kedar Shrestha’s “Upiyako Nibandha” and “Dayaalu Rukha” of Kausi Theatre directed by Aakanksha Karki will be showcased on Saturday.
Likewise, on Sunday, “Aarko Kuruchetra” directed by Ashesh Malla and on Monday “Yelmamuniko Tirkha” directed by Deborah Merola will be streamed. According to Prashun Sindhuli, Presentation Coordinator of the festival, still more dramas are being received in the festival. He said that dramas like “Andher Nagari Chaupat Raaja”, a puppet play “To Be” and “Bhoko Ghar” are in the list of dramas to be showcased next week.
Majority of the dramas were shown in various festivals.
Theatre artists including Lunibha Tuladhar, Najir Hussen, Dayahang Rai, Bilam Subedi and Laxmi Bardewa have been participating and requesting other artists through video clips to participate in the festival, said Sanjeeta Parajuli, Festival Coordinator.
Dramas are being streamed in the official Facebook page of Theatre Mall, Kritipur at 5 pm onwards every day.