One does not have to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare's hometwon, or the Globe Theater in London to relish the Shakespearen drama today. Nepali people can now enjoy Shakespeare's drama with a similar joy in the theaters of Kathmandu.

Directed by Greta Rana, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Shakespearen drama, was performed by Nepalese professional and amateur artists in the British School. The event celebrated the two hundred years of Nepal-Britain Friendship and four hundred years after the death of Shakespeare.

“Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the ‘Bard of Avon” for his works, that include 154 sonnets and many more writings. His plays have been translated into major languages and are performed more often than those of any other playwright,” said Pratima Pande, president of Nepal-Britain Society. “In fact, last year, our very own Nepalese theatre artists performed ‘Hamlet’ in Nepali language in Nepal and worked in conjunction with the famous Globe Theater in London which was very challenging for them but successful.”

Kathmandu-based diplomats from India, Germany, Sri Lanka and Brazil attended the performance. A large number of expats and Nepali audiences cheered the artists.

“Last December 2015, many of us had the wonderful opportunity to witness ‘Hamlet’ performed by the Globe Theatre actors of London in the magical city of Bhaktapur. In a lifetime experience, the artists had travelled across countries and performed this well-known play, a tragedy,” said president Pande. "Mrs. Greta Rana has directed many of the plays performed in our theaters for the last 16 years."

Addressing the opening program, British Ambassador to Nepal Richard Morris spoke of the event as a great time in the history of Britain and Nepal as they were celebrating 200 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations.