During a recent conversation with Prajwal Kafle, a theater artist and engineer, a compelling picture emerged of how performance, particularly street plays, is transforming public awareness in rural communities in Nepal. Kafle is part of a group of artists who collaborate
with NGOs and development organizations to deliver powerful messages through performance. Their weapon of choice: a participatory street theater format known locally as “Kachari”.

Kachari is more than a play—it is a live, improvisational dialogue with the public. At its heart is interaction. The audience is not merely watching; they are drawn into the performance, prompted to think, speak, and even act. Kafle explains, “We ask questions like, “If you were in this actor’s place, what would you do?”” The answers from the public then shape the direction of the play in real-time, making each performance unique and deeply resonant.

Preparation for such plays is rigorous. The team begins by developing a thematic framework, often centered around issues like domestic violence, political participation, environmental challenges, or public health. Through workshops and brainstorming sessions, they identify all plausible public responses and rehearse various narrative branches to maintain fluidity during live performances. Still, the spontaneity of public
engagement means even the actors don’t know exactly how each story will unfold.

The strength of this approach lies in its relatability and emotional impact. By involving the audience directly, these performances transcend the traditional performer-spectator divide. For instance, in one notable play, a man returns home drunk and begins to abuse his wife.
The audience is asked: “What would you do as a family member or neighbor?” Depending on their answers—whether to intervene, call the police, or stay silent—the narrative shifts. Sometimes, members of the audience are invited onto the stage to enact their proposed solutions, making the learning experience visceral and unforgettable.

Funded primarily by village development committees and NGOs, these initiatives face numerous challenges, the most pressing being the recruitment of committed actors and crafting stories that resonate authentically with the local populace. Yet, the impact they achieve—fostering critical thinking, empathy, and community dialogue—makes the effort profoundly worthwhile.

In a country as diverse and nuanced as Nepal, performance art is proving to be a powerful educational tool, bridging gaps in awareness and empowering communities to reflect and act. Through this dynamic form of storytelling, change doesn’t just happen on stage—it begins in the hearts and minds of the people watching.