A Nepali play adapted from renowned author Jagadish Ghimire’s novel “SAABITI: NOT GUILTY” will make an unprecedented debut at The Tank Theatre in New York City during the last week of April 2026, marking a proud milestone for Nepali artists and theater.
The production, written and directed by legendary Nepali theater artist Bimal Subedi, has been rewritten and adapted to resonate with New York audiences. It shifts the original novel’s underprivileged male protagonist to a female lead, exploring how patriarchal structures disadvantage women, especially in South Asian contexts. The play amplifies female voices and empowerment while questioning socially constructed institutions.
Staged in New York — the city of diversity and world cultural capital — the show collaborates with Nepali community leader Amit Pratap Shah’s Apan Foundation, The Tank Theatre, and Theatre Village Nepal. The Consulate General of Nepal in New York is promoting it as part of cultural diplomacy.
Subedi, known for internationalizing Nepali theater through innovative experimentation, redefining traditional styles, and bridging Nepali and global stages, has presented experimental Nepali plays on over 20 international platforms. In recent years, he has introduced Nepali theater to global audiences, strengthening Nepal’s identity and aiding cultural diplomacy. Active in the U.S. for two years, his off-Broadway musical “Hitler Is Coming,” co-written and directed with Joys Pandey, drew widespread attention last year.
This production runs as a regular show alongside American works at the heart-of-Manhattan Tank Theatre, which books slots seven months in advance. Tank Director Meghan Finn said Subedi’s past works, experience, and distinctive style inspired the collaboration, facilitated by his role in the 46th Battery Dance Theatre Festival. Festival founder and director Jonathan Hollander, an internationally renowned performer, said: “Working with Bimal during the festival deeply impressed me. I felt that American audiences should experience his work. In today’s complex global political context, this play also marks a new beginning in cultural diplomacy between Nepal and the United States, which could further strengthen relations between the two countries.”
Nepal’s Consul General in New York Dadhiram Bhandari called it historic for mainstream theater to embrace a play based on Ghimire’s story, showcasing Nepal’s potential worldwide, bringing people closer, elevating Nepal-U.S. relations, and promoting Nepal’s identity through art.
Subedi noted staging theater in the U.S. is far more challenging than in Nepal, India, or South Asia: “Even after working in many countries, the experience in the U.S. makes you realize how many possibilities exist in Nepal that we often take for granted. Here, every step is extremely difficult.” His dreams include presenting in Germany’s experimental scene, collaborating with London’s Globe Theatre, translating Nepali plays globally, and reaching Broadway — but only if the work matches or exceeds that level to avoid mere cultural showcases.
“This play will open a new door connecting Nepali theatre with mainstream audiences,” Subedi said. “There are many Nepali students in New York, but the theatre scene here has not yet fully embraced Nepali theatre. If this play succeeds, that situation could change.” Under pressure to represent Nepal, he aims to bridge “South Asian Theatre” and “Nepali Theatre” identities in New York’s global hub, opening avenues for Nepali artists.
Producer Amit Pratap Shah, a Nepali-American community leader, cultural advocate, and social entrepreneur, said: “Producing this work is both a responsibility and a privilege. This project represents more than a theatrical production; it is a defining moment to position Nepali literature, art, and artists on a global stage. Bringing a Nepali story to a prestigious New York theatre is about recognition ensuring that our voices are not only represented, but respected and valued internationally. It is also a matter of great pride to raise important social narratives through Nepali-origin creative work on such a global platform. This production reflects the strength of Nepali-American identity, rooted in heritage, driven by creativity, and guided by a global vision. More importantly, it is about building legacy, creating pathways for future generations of Nepali artists and storytellers to step forward with confidence. I hope it inspires a new generation to embrace their roots, invest in their stories, and contribute boldly to the world through art, culture, and ideas. This is not just a milestone; it is an ongoing movement of cultural advocacy to define our identity, advance our integration, and secure the place where our stories rightfully belong.”
Chicago-based Nepali community leader and entrepreneur Ankur Sharma is handling U.S. and global distribution and coordination, driven by his interest in Nepali literature and culture, trust in Subedi, and commitment to Nepali identity.
The play’s progressive nature allows transformation by time and place for unique performances. Recent productions featured Suraj Subedi and Theatre Village artists. The cast includes Indian-origin American actress Swachhata Sanjeevan Guha (Bollywood, English cinema, theater, acting teacher); Nepali-origin American actor Nawal Rai (performance art, theater, fashion design); American performer Jud Meyers (dozen-plus theater productions, TV, Hollywood films); and others. Raj Khatri (extensive Indian theater experience) assists direction; Ayusha Chhetri Sanjel leads casting.
Presented during U.S. Women’s History Month in March — with special significance for amplifying women’s voices — the first phase runs daily for one week starting April 26, 2026, at The Tank. A second phase follows in May in New York, then other U.S. states.
Subedi thanked supporters, especially Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Ohio Dr. Damodar Paudel: “This journey would not have been possible without everyone involved. I am grateful to all, especially for the special support of Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Ohio Dr. Damodar Paudel. I am confident this will be a historic moment for Nepali theatre.”
Separately, Subedi’s U.S.-produced film “The snow is singing,” which he directed, is set for release to Nepali and global audiences by year-end.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
