In ‘Acheta’, faith and prejudice collide in a new Nepali play

In the heart of Jumla, Nepal, a new play named 'Acheta' delves into the complex life of Dal, a sculptor and shaman whose deep-seated faith becomes both a solace and a source of conflict. Director Govinda Sunar, drawing from his own experiences growing up in the region, crafts a narrative that confronts the lingering shadows of caste-based discrimination and the pervasive influence of superstition.

The play centers on Dal, portrayed by Jhaken BC, a man whose identity is intertwined with his role as both an artist and a spiritual healer. His wife, Geeta, played by Sushmita Kunwar, faces ostracization from the community, labeled an "Alachini" or ill-fated person, due to her husband's involvement in shamanic rituals. Her pleas for Dal to abandon his practices, fearing for their unborn child's well-being, are met with his unwavering devotion to his faith.

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The god’s statue inside was made by my grandfather. I used to ask myself: if it was made by our own hands, why were we treated like that?

'Acheta' unflinchingly portrays the societal mistreatment of those deemed 'untouchable,' even within sacred spaces, as Dal is forced to sit apart from others when seeking guidance from another shaman. The narrative also highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing basic services, as the absence of doctors at a local health post forces Dal to seek urgent city care for his sick infant.

Through Dal's journey, the play serves as a powerful medium to voice the concerns of neglected communities and advocate for the dismissal of harmful superstitious beliefs. It questions the foundations of faith when confronted with prejudice and the harsh realities of life, prompting reflection on the societal structures that perpetuate inequality. 'Acheta' was recently showcased at the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama's Tri-Nation Theatre Festival.

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Is it as easy to build our baby’s life as the sculptures you make?