The theatrical play “Ukus Mukus” (उकुस मुकुस), written and directed by Saubhagya Singh Rai, offers a poignant look into the silent epidemic of loneliness currently gripping many Nepali households. The title itself suggests a sense of suffocation or unease, a feeling that permeates the lives of elderly parents left behind as their children migrate abroad in search of better opportunities.
The Empty Nest and the Migration Crisis
A central theme of the drama is the emotional toll of the “Australian Dream.” Characters like Ajay Sir reflect the tragic reality of many; he supported his wife’s education and move to Australia, only for her to marry someone else and for his daughter to eventually follow her, leaving him alone with nothing but his books for company. This narrative is mirrored in many families where children are physically present only through phone calls, leaving parents to wonder if their lifelong sacrifices were worth the solitude of their old age.
Watch the full Part 1 of this powerful theatrical performance on YouTube here:
Wealth Without Care
The play highlights a stark social irony: material wealth does not equate to peace. Putali Aama, a character who owns three houses and significant land in Kathmandu, finds herself unable to even get a glass of water when she is sick. The drama exposes the dark side of family dynamics, where relatives like nephews and daughters-in-law may wait for the elderly to pass away to claim property, rather than offering genuine care.
Finding Solace and Reclaiming Life
Despite the heavy themes, “Ukus Mukus” introduces hope through characters like Chanchali. Running a “Job Center,” she becomes a bridge for those seeking employment and those needing care. She advocates for a radical shift in perspective: elderly parents must start living for themselves rather than waiting indefinitely for children who may never return.
Key moments of solace in the play include:
- Community Support: The transition of Putali Aama to a social welfare home where she can find companionship among peers.
- Late-Life Companionship: The attempt to unite Chanchali and Ajay Sir in marriage, challenging societal norms that suggest the elderly should remain alone after abandonment or divorce.
- Resilience Against the Past: Chanchali’s firm stand against her ex-husband, Bikram, who returns to disrupt her happiness, showing her determination to protect her new life.
A Call to Reflection
“Ukus Mukus” is more than just a play; it is a mirror held up to a society in transition. It asks us to consider the “Ukus Mukus” or the internal suffocation of our elders and emphasizes that human connection—whether through friends, second chances at love, or community service—is the only true antidote to the shadows of loneliness