BBC World Service Trust blog

The drama team of the BBC World Service Trust in Nepal is currently preparing a second series of the highly successful radio drama Sweet Tales of the Sarangi, which deals with transitional social and ethnic issues following over a decade of conflict. Here, Fiona Ledger reports on a recent location trip to eastern Nepal in which the team visited partner radio stations, auditioned actors, and encountered political protests. Read parts one and two here and here.

Thursday

Leaving Panchthar for Ilam; a fine day with less mist than usual. About 30km into our journey, we came across a Limbu road block marked by thin red tape. As international press we have no difficulty in being waved through. Behind us they attempt to stop a motor bike but it accelerates away stopping further down the road to talk to us – the female passengers explains at length why they certainly had no intention of paying.

We decide to go back and talk to the Limbu. There are 6 of them – all wearing Rambo type bandanas, and carrying kukuris (Nepalese national knives), even the 12 year old. One has an earring and a stick for banging the ground like a policeman. Another has a receipt book. We point out that there was an agreement with local government not to collect tax. They say they are not asking for tax but only for voluntary support. Deputy editor Kedar Sharma remarks it doesn’t look very voluntary when everyone is carrying kukuris . (more…)

In the second part of her report from a location trip in eastern Nepal, senior producer Fiona Ledger and the team visit a blind school whose students are dedicated followers of the BBC World Service Trust drama Sweet Tales of the Sarangi, encounter transport strikes and local ethnic leaders, and interview journalists about rising tensions in the region. Read part one here.

By Fiona Ledger

Monday

We leave Itahari, despite the bandh (a type of transport strike and protest), and head for Birtamod in the far east where we interview a Limbu leader. He wants the east to be declared an independent state, Limbuwhan, with devolved powers and is angry with the government for reneging on a promise to set up a commission dedicated to Limbu autonomy.
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A recent location trip for Nepali radio drama Katha Mitho Sarangiko (Sweet Tales of the Sarangi) reveals the complex ethnic and social makeup of the country, the ingenuity of the production staff and the kindness of its people. Senior producer Fiona Ledger reports on a week in the life of this popular drama.

Part One – Crossing the Koshi

With the launch of a new series of our drama Katha Mitho Sarangiko (Sweet Tales of the Sarangi) just seven weeks away, our thoughts are turning to new locations as well as new storylines. We decide to go east of the Koshi river, to what was once known as the kingdom of Kirat. Our mission is to feel our way round the political and cultural landscape and search out new dramatic talent. In the past we’ve recorded on location in Janakpur – flat, dusty and hot; in Pokhara – alpine fresh, but thick with trekkers; now the highs and lows of the east await.

Commercial prosperity fed in part by the tea gardens of Ilam and the milk production of the surrounding area means the region exports more than it imports. It has a sense of political entitlement, and a sense of separateness from the rest of the country that goes back to the 18th century. But there’s also a growing tension between the leadership of two native ethnic groups: the Rai and the Limbu.

Saturday

Armed with a punishing itinerary of stopovers and meetings, we make good time along the east-west highway, but not good enough. It is after all, only a one-lane road with occasional potholes and colonies of traffic-hardened monkeys. By nightfall we are still in the flatlands of the Tarai (in southern Nepal). (more…)