Kathmandu this week: cyanotype printing session, art festival, poetry evening, playbook by kathacharya, and more

This week, veteran poet, lyricist, playwright and language activist Durga Lal Shrestha, one of the most prominent voices in modern Nepal Bhasha literature, died on Sunday at the age of 93, after over six decades of writing and advocating for the language and culture.

Shrestha’s debut collection was Chiniyamha Kisicha, a collection of children poems, which brought his poetry to a wide audience. The Nepal Bhasha Council honoured Shrestha with the title of ‘People’s Poet’ nearly two decades ago.

Shrestha wrote the lyrics to the popular song “Phool ko aankha ma, phoolai sansaar.”

As the art and literature communities mourn the loss of Shrestha’s passing, here’s what else is happening in the arts and culture scene this week.

Playbook by Kathacharya 

This workshop promises no fancy halls or auditorium but a small place to gather and share their insight. Playbook by Kathacharya is a workshop built on five years of experience by a group of four amateur creatives. Having worked with brands like Old Monks, TVS, and Samsung, they are bringing together what they have learned along the way to share with others.

From the creative and production processes to mood boards, storyboards, planning and budgeting, the workshop covers what goes behind the scenes of a film making. If you’re into this, be prepared to meet fellow creators. 

Event Details:
Date: August 20
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM
Location: Revealed after registration 
Entry: Paid (20 seats available, NRs 2,500/person)

Shabdakiri Sanjh 27.0

If you’re around Boudhha this Saturday, find yourself in a soirée of poetry and music. The 27th edition of Shabdakiri Sanjh brings an evening of poems, music, and shared moments. 

Writers are invited to share their work, while audiences simply need to show up and listen. 

Event Details:
Date: August 22
Time: 4: 00 onwards
Location: Taragaon Next, Bouddha
Entry: Free

Do it in Blue: Cyanotype Printing

To all the vintage lovers, how does learning a 180-year old photographic printing process sound? This week, Sattya Art Collective invites you to do it in blue! As part of their Makerspace Skill Session, they are bringing back cyanotype printing, a camera-less photographic printing technique and one of the oldest photographic processes.

This beginner friendly session is facilitated by Shreemila, a Kathmandu based visual artist who works with photography and alternative printing techniques including cyanotype on paper and fabric. Check them out if blue feels right to you.

Event Details:
Date: August 22
Time: 1: 00 - 5:00 PM 
Location: Sattya Media Arts Collective, Lalitpur
Entry: Paid

Miss Menuka

“Miss Menuka” follows a sex worker who witnesses a violent incident on a bus journey. The people in power then pressurise her to give false statement, while falsely accusing an innocent man of attempted sexual assault. 

The play is adapted from Jean Paul Sartre's “The Respectful Prostitute”. Set during a radically tense period in American history, the original play observes a white prostitute who becomes caught in the aftermath of an incident on a train. As prejudiced authorities attempt to place blame on a black man, the play examines discrimination, prejudice, and abuse of power. 

Watch this adaptation come alive on stage at Shilpee Theatre till August 22. 

Event Details:
Date: July 29 - August 22
Time: 5: 15 PM onwards (Tuesday closed)
Location: Shilpee Theatre, Battisputali
Entry: Paid

Himalayan Art Festival

The week will also see an art festival, with E-Arts Nepal, an online art gallery bringing its annual festival to the city. The event brings together more than 150 contemporary Nepali artists, showcasing diverse forms of art including Paubha, sculptures, printing, ceramics and more. 

Beyond the art works on display, the festival also features art discussions, guided tours, workshops, and recognition of artists who have made significant contributions to Nepal’s art scene. 

Event Details:
Date: August 21-27
Time: 11: 30 AM onwards
Location: Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal
Entry: Free