‘Jalini’, directed by the popular Nepali actor Dayahang Rai, tells the story of the eponymous Jalini, a princess. Set in prehistoric times, it is a dramatization of a folktale written by Dhruba Satya Pariyar. (Jalini is one of the stories from Pariyar’s short story anthology ‘Kairan’.) This 1 hour 15 minutes-long play revolves around the issue of the origins of various superstitious beliefs, and how they are still being practiced. Witnessing the constricted role of women in the society of the time makes you think about the social status of contemporary women. But it is as much a story about love and sacrifice.
To watch this play, make sure you reach on time. If you are even a minute late, you will not be allowed into the theater hall. This is also important because you may be unable to understand the complex story if you are not there right from the beginning.
The play is staged at 5:30 pm every day, and will run through October 7 (except on Mondays). On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the general ticket price is Rs 300 and for students, it is Rs 200. If you go on other days, general ticket price is Rs 500 and for students, Rs 200. People who love folktales and are in a mood to see some good acting should make time. Mandala Theater at Anamnagar has over the years churned out many talented artists, a fact that is well reflected in Jalini.
