Julie Maiya struggles

KATHMANDU, Sept 6: “Julie Maiya,” the Nepali adaptation of the Swedish playwright August Strindberg’s work “Miss Julie” is presently being staged by the Mandala Theatre Group at the United World Trade Center (UWTC) of Tripureshwor in Kathmandu.

While the Nepali adaptation faithfully carries the essence of the original work, the play falters in places.

Despite a congested stage, however, the three characters in the play put on a commendable show. The translation by Samuna KC is worth a mention as she has molded the story into Nepali soil. But the seating arrangement of the hall where the play is being staged could become a turnoff for the audience. It was very hard to catch sight of the characters in action on Saturday with the hall packed. Many individuals were even propped up on tables to watch the drama unfolding.

Samuna KC as Julie Maiya performs with ease as a young and rich mistress. She is spoilt, smart and loveable at the same time. She seems to have no worries about what the world thinks about her. But when she is caught up in a sexual relationship with her servant, Jai, she cannot garner the confidence to stand up to its consequences.

Jai’s reaction to her is amusing. He can finally exercise power over his mistress and does so shamelessly. But he is not as confident as he appears to be.

It is the portrayal of this class and gender struggle that makes the play stand out. Love, lust, deceit and power have been addressed with a fresh perspective by the director of the play, Rajan Khatiwada. He shows through his characters that the rich are as insecure as the poor.

Narendra Baral as Jai does a fine job, but he needs to improve his English pronunciation.

Srijana Subba as Krishna Maya, the housemaid, may have a brief role but she acts with poise. She is the balance between the erratic ways of Julie Maiya and Jai.

The ending of the play, however, does not give justice to the work. It ends blandly without the intended effect. Julie kills herself, but did she have to, and in such a peculiar fashion?

The play is being presented at the UWTC at 5:30 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the whole month of Bhadra.

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