St Xavier’s College stages student-led play ‘Bichitra Baje’ – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 20

The Department of Major Arts at St Xavier’s College, Maitighar, has begun a three-day run of Bichitra Baje, a Nepali adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s short story A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings.

The first show was staged on Thursday at Miller Hall, Loyola Campus, Thapathali. The remaining shows are scheduled for August 21 at 8:30am and noon, and August 22 at 11:30am and 3:00pm.

Written by Major Arts students Kritika Koirala and Raunak Karki, the play places Márquez’s story in a Nepali setting and follows a village’s reaction to the arrival of a mysterious old man with wings. It explores themes of kindness, compassion, faith, fear and the treatment of people who are different.

The production is entirely student-led, with students involved in acting, writing, stage preparation and props under the guidance of teachers. The college said the production forms part of students’ academic engagement with drama and is intended to develop their confidence, creativity and teamwork.

‘Bichitra Baje’

This year’s production also features live audio description for visually impaired audiences. Volunteers will describe key visual elements, including movements, expressions, costumes and actions, through a live Google Meet session. Earphones and internet access will be provided for the service.

College Principal Fr Dr Augustine Thomas, SJ, said the play demonstrated students’ ability to transform a literary work into a theatrical experience while encouraging audiences to reflect on human dignity.

Head of the Department of Major Arts Shishir Kumar Bhusal said the production highlighted the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, human literacy and interpersonal communication in contemporary society.