MAHESH POUDYAL’S ‘BHAVAMALLI’ PLAY OPENS IN KATHMANDU

KATHMANDU, Sept. 25, 2026 — BHAVAMALLI, a new play based on a folk narrative from western Nepal, has staged at the Russian House in Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu. The production explores child marriage, women’s rights and social structures through the story of the marriage between King Harimalla of ancient Doti and Bhavalli.

Written by playwright and Tribhuvan University Associate Professor MAHESH POUDYAL and directed by senior theatre person NABARAJ BUDHATHOKI, the play is being staged from September 23 to 28, 2026. The production draws on an episode from Sangini, a traditional folk-song form performed in western Nepal. The songs contain the story of the marriage between Harimalla, a king associated with the Bise–Baise region, and Bhavalli.

At the centre of BHAVAMALLI is the marriage of 22-year-old King Harimalla to five-year-old Bhavalli. The play uses the story to examine child marriage, age-disparate marriage and the social structures associated with such practices. It also presents the physical, psychological and social experiences of a girl within such a marriage.

The production incorporates historical and cultural references to the former Bise–Baise kingdoms of western Nepal, including Doti, Bajura, Bajhang and Jumla. Royal life, warfare, social hierarchy and superstition are among the elements represented in the play.
Child rights and women’s rights are among the production’s central themes. The play also presents issues related to women’s identity, dignity and rights while examining traditional social practices from a contemporary perspective.

According to playwright MAHESH POUDYAL, BHAVAMALLI is not a literal reconstruction of historical events. He said elements of folk narratives and historical references have been creatively rearranged to present contemporary social questions through history and folk memory.
Director NABARA BUDHATHOKI has identified the story of Queen Apurva as another important element of the production. According to BUDHATHOKI, Apurva’s story focuses on a woman’s struggle for identity, rights and dignity.

The production uses folk tradition and cultural memory as sources for presenting historical narratives and examining contemporary social issues.
The cast includes Akanksha GC Bhujel, Keshav Singh Chhetri, Anish Bimali, Kriti Basnet, Eva KC, Dipendra Singh Chhetri, Kayan Bisi, Renuka Acharya, Jay Prasad B.K., Avinash Adhikari, Neha Kumari Mahara and Utsav Karki.

The music has been composed under the leadership of Rup Kamal Chhetri of the Music Department at Padmakanya Multiple Campus. Sundar Udas Tuladhar and Bijay Darlami Magar have led the instrumental ensemble, while Pushparaj Awasthi has handled casting direction.

BHAVAMALLI play is the second play performed under Nepal–Russia Theatre Week. The programme previously featured Anton Chekhov’s The Swan Song , which was staged from September 18 to 21.

BHAVAMALLI play will continue its run at the Russian House in Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, through September 28.