Kathmandu: The third edition of the Nepal International Theatre Festival (NITFest) 2025 is set to take place from March 19 to 27 in Kathmandu and Pokhara, featuring 17 plays from 12 countries.
Organized by Mandala Theatre-Nepal, the festival will be held across multiple venues, including Mandala Aagan, Mandala Studio, and Mandala Theatre in Kathmandu, as well as Pokhara Theatre in Pokhara.
With the slogan “Theatre for Social Transformation: Light of Indigenous Wisdom,” the festival aims to foster communal harmony, celebrate social diversity, and preserve intangible cultural heritage through artistic expression.
According to the organizers, NITFest 2025 will provide a platform for global theatre groups and artists to address socio-political issues through their performances.
The festival will showcase productions from Nepal, China, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom.
The selection committee has chosen plays that highlight the socio-political realities of communities worldwide.
Beyond stage performances, NITFest 2025 will feature daily interactions, panel discussions, seminars, open-air performances, theatre photo exhibitions, cultural stalls, and an encouragement award ceremony.
Organizers emphasize that the event will serve as a space for cultural exchange and artistic solidarity.
The festival comes at a time when Nepal’s theatre scene is gaining international recognition, with events like NITFest contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a hub for performing arts. Theatre enthusiasts, artists, and scholars from around the world are expected to participate in the week-long event.