Nepal: Theater as a Response to the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake
After the devastating Gorkha earthquake on Saturday, April 25, 2015, there was massive damage to life and property in several major districts of Nepal, including Gorkha, Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Nuwakot, and Makwanpur. The ground shook about 25 to 30 times a day. The repeated tremors caused immense stress and fear among people and animals alike. In addition to fear, there was uncertainty about what to eat and where to stay. Many who had lost their mothers, fathers, and relatives in the earthquake, along with those who survived by chance, were left wondering how to take care of their families and neighbors.
Local, national, and international aid in the form of food and tents began to arrive, but the emotional turmoil caused by the loss of loved ones, homes, and belongings led to deep mental anguish and a sense of pessimism about the future. This resulted in severe mental distress, making us quickly realize the urgent need to focus on mental health. Over the course of about two years, we performed over 500 times in earthquake-affected villages in Nepal. Initially, our performances were based on real stories about the earthquake. Then, children's plays, gender-based violence, and later, how to build earthquake-resistant homes. In this presentation, through pictures, stories of the plays we performed in the earthquake-affected areas with my team.
Turkey: Inclusive Arts Education in Post-Earthquake Communities
We are two performers and art educators pioneering the first-ever inclusivity training program for trainers working with children in Turkey. Our project launched in Antakya and Diyarbakır—two distinct yet comparable cities with diverse, multi-ethnic communities, both deeply affected by the recent earthquakes.
This training will address the cultural, social, and emotional needs of these communities while promoting inclusive practices that empower educators and students to navigate post-disaster recovery in a context of significant social and political challenges. By focusing on these vulnerable communities, we aim to create a supportive environment where inclusivity through art can thrive.
This interactive roundtable will delve into the program's design and implementation in these two cities, exploring our adaptive approaches to their unique settings. We will also discuss the potential of a universal language in art to foster inclusivity, diversity, and equality. The roundtable will actively engage all participants, encouraging them to contribute and reflect on the challenges of promoting inclusivity through art.
Production Credits
Sunaina Panthy, Nepal
Anıl ÇALIM, Turkey
BURCU YILMAZ DENİZ, Turkey
About the Artists
Sunaina Panthy, Nepal
I’m a performing artist and filmmaker, and I currently serve as the President of Educational Theatre in Nepal, a non-profit organization.
I began my theatre journey in 2010 with One World Theatre, a renowned company known for its acclaimed production Nepali Aama, which was performed at the Nepal International Theatre Festival in 2012. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to take on various roles with One World Theatre in Kathmandu—Assistant Stage Manager, performer, Props Manager, and even Director. I co-wrote and co-directed Marsyangdi Salala, a story rooted in ethnic culture, celebrating Nepali traditions and heritage.
In 2023, I worked as the Assistant Director for the blockbuster Nepali feature film Nango Gaun, which received widespread acclaim. That same year, I directed a short film titled Good Evening and several social awareness videos.
In addition to films, I’ve ventured into writing. In 2020, I contributed a short story titled Closed Shutter to the bestselling story collection Covid-19 Kathaharu.
I participated in the 8th TRANSIT International Theatre Festival and Meeting, which took place in Holstebro, Denmark, from June 1 to 12, 2016. In Brazil, I conducted workshops at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro and participated in NEAPFEST, where I shared my theatrical methods and learned so much from the local artists. During my internship at the Agor Drysau Festival in Aberystwyth, Wales, in 2020.
I had the opportunity to work as an Assistant Director on a Tamil film project in Chennai, India, which further expanded my understanding of the international film industry.
My journey in community theatre began after the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. Nine districts—Gorkha, Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Makwanpur, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur—were severely affected. From 2015 to 2017, over the course of two years, I performed more than 500 street drama shows across these earthquake-affected districts. These performances covered a range of themes, including survivor stories, children-focused drama shows, gender-based violence awareness dramas, and earthquake-safe reconstruction-related dramas. Currently, I am primarily focused on community and school-based theatre.
Anıl ÇALIM, Turkey
Anıl is a performer, trainer, and copywriter with a strong focus on children’s and youth theater. He completed the Darülbedayi School (Conservatory) at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theaters in 2021 and earned his Master’s degree in Acting at Bahçeşehir University in 2024 with a scholarship. His thesis, “The Role of Childism, Gender and Taboos in Children’s Theatre” reflects his focus on children’s and youth theater. Anıl, a member of Assitej Türkiye, has performed in various children’s plays showcased at both national and international festivals under the Atta Festival - first and only international arts festival for babies and children- and has led numerous workshops for children and adults. He also collaborated with Sweden’s renowned Unga Klara, completing training on “child perspective,” “inclusivity,” and “youth viewpoint.” Currently, Anıl emphasizes workshops on child perspective and inclusivity through art and continues to perform in musicals, children’s plays, and adult productions.
BURCU YILMAZ DENİZ, Turkey
Burcu Yılmaz Deniz is a performer, curator, and trainer dedicated to creating inclusive, inspiring spaces for children. As part of the ATTA Festival, the first international arts festival for babies and children, she performs in various national and international events. She also takes part in performances adapted for neurodiverse children, ensuring inclusivity. Burcu also leads workshops on soundpainting and improvisation, aimed at enhancing the creative expression and critical thinking of children, youth, and adults. Her work reflects a commitment to fostering artistic engagement and inclusivity in arts education. She holds master's degrees in Arts Management and Performing Arts from Koç University and the University of Strasbourg and is a founding partner of A Corner in the World, a collective focused on performing arts from Turkey.
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