Govt should take responsibility for events like NITFest: Dayahang Rai [Interview]

The third edition of the Nepal International Theater Festival (NITFest) is currently underway at Mandala Theater, Kathmandu. The festival features 17 plays from 12 countries, alongside discussions on local art, culture, media, policy and politics. The week-long festival is being organized by Mandala Theater. Susmita Bajagain of Himal Press talked to NITFest’s festival director and popular artist Dayahang Rai to learn more about the event. Excerpts:

This is your first time directing a theater festival. How has the experience been so far?
I worked within the team in the previous editions and contributed to the team’s efforts. This time, I have taken on the role of a leader. This has given me a greater sense of accountability. Every task brings new experiences. As the festival director, I have been involved in everything from designing the program to assembling the team. There was a lot of pressure and curiosity before the event began.

The festival has brought together three generations: seniors, contemporaries and the younger generation. Many of the younger generation are actively involved in the festival. I sometimes worry about whether I can meet their expectations while fulfilling my responsibilities. I have not been able to give enough time in a way that makes the three generations feel comfortable.

Why was the theme ‘The Light of Indigenous Knowledge’ chosen for this year’s festival?
We possess a wealth of indigenous knowledge, which is deeply connected to our art. Indigenous knowledge is a science. We chose this theme to explore what kind of knowledge we have and how we are practicing it. Such festivals are essential to elevate our identity to an international level. They also provide an opportunity to reflect on how closely we are working with indigenous knowledge and how we are evolving. Theater plays a crucial role not only in entertainment but also in the creation of knowledge.

The topic of intergenerational transfer also comes up in art. Looking at the last 25 years of Nepali theater, we have done a lot of work at the private level. If we look back, we must remember the history after Gurukul Theater. Gurukul has contributed significantly to the Nepali theater scene. It has brought us to where we are today. Now, we are in a responsible position. We are a generation that is working hard. We learned from the previous generation, and now we must ask ourselves: What are we passing on to the next generation? Indigenous knowledge was picked as the theme of the festival for this continuity. Time moves continuously, and we must transfer knowledge, experience and wisdom. We have included topics like this for discussion in the festival.

Please tell us more about the festival.
This year, we are organizing the festival not only in Kathmandu but also in Pokhara, Bharatpur and Belbari. Previously, it was limited to Kathmandu. Additionally, we are conducting workshops on theater with artists from Scotland, China and Germany. Seventeen plays from 12 countries are being performed. There will also be discussions on topics like ‘The Light of Indigenous Knowledge’,’Theater in the Media’s Courtyard’and ‘The Friendship Path of Nepali Theater and Film’.” Other events include poetry evenings, musical evenings and cultural programs.

How important is it to include such diverse topics?
It is absolutely necessary. Theater is a branch of literature that encompasses art, music and poetry. Theater is a convergence of various forms of literature. All these forms are created by society. The pulse of society is reflected in literature, and theater is its artistic and dialogic form. A theater artist must understand all these aspects and collaborate accordingly. As society evolves, so does literature and the same happens in theater. Since literature develops according to societal consciousness, it is crucial to discuss these topics at such festivals.

What challenges did you face in coordinating with international plays and bringing them to Nepal?

Participating in art, literature, or film festivals often requires covering our own expenses. For foreigners, it is much easier. If someone from another country wants to participate in an international theater festival, their government or relevant organizations provide them with tickets and arrange everything. They just need our invitation. However, bringing large-scale productions or plays from certain countries can be challenging due to the size of their teams. Sometimes, we cannot bring the plays we want to. We have been working on this since the first edition of this festival.

How is the festival’s financial management being handled?
We have some collaborating organizations, such as the Nepal Tourism Board and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, as well as smaller local associations. Our indigenous culture emphasizes helping one another. When a new project starts in a family, neighbors come forward to support. Similarly, we have sought support from individuals and institutions in various ways. Some have donated materials, others money, and some have come forward to help personally.

Is it sustainable to organize such a festival every year?
This is our practice. Ideally, the state should take responsibility for such events. Artists also need to contribute from their side. We are currently working to bring it to a level where the state can take over. We have already seen the potential for this in the future.

This is about continuity. The festival should eventually be taken over by certain government bodies. As citizens of the country, it is also the responsibility of artists. We have taken on this responsibility by organizing this festival. It is not just about surviving in my profession personally. The knowledge and skills that I have learned can be transferred to the next generation through such efforts. Even if it requires hard work, if we maintain continuity, the dream we have seen will one day come true.

Theater, literature, and film festivals are happening all over the country. What does this signify?
Having festivals across the country creates a vibrant atmosphere. In the past, there used to be only one festival. We are all learning and growing. We share the knowledge and skills we have acquired through discussions, debates and personal participation. Such festivals are essential as they help build a unique identity.