Mandala Theatre Nepal has opened applications from across the country for the 18-month residential drama training program 'Mandala Drama School (MDS) - Third Batch'.

The training is being launched with the aim of preparing young playwrights, writers, directors and cultural leaders from across Nepal.

Mandala has stated that this program has been carried out under the ‘Reclaiming Advocacy through Narratives, Debates, Grassroots Theatre and Arts (Rang)’ project being run with the support of the European Union. The main objective of the project is to make youth from marginalized communities active in social transformation through creative expression, dialogue and cultural practice, informed Govinda Parajuli, Project Manager of the Rang Project.

The third batch of Mandala Drama School will provide training focused on practical drama production processes, inclusive storytelling, community collaboration and socially concerned theatre. During this 18-month period, participants will undergo intensive practice in acting, directing, playwriting, participatory theatre, technical aspects and production processes.

To make the program inclusive and accessible, the Mandala has stated that a total of 14 participants will be selected from all seven provinces of Nepal, with 2 from each province. In this process, special priority will be given to women, LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities and youth from marginalized communities, the press release states.