Thora Qaddumi

Perhaps surprisingly, considering the subject of this book, I bought and read it in Kathmandu. It’s a truly incredible crime story of how, on June 1, 2001, the heir to the Nepalese throne, Crown Prince Dipendra, put on military fatigues, armed himself with four guns, walked in on a quiet family gathering and massacred his parents (the king and queen), brother, sister, aunts and uncles. He shot himself but, while lying in a coma, was declared king – a living god – before he died. The reason given is the love affair between Dipendra and a beautiful aristocrat he was forbidden to marry. The authors also tell about the challenges they faced in investigating the story, right after it happened.

I was particularly interested in Royal Kumaris, as I had a glimpse of one who came to a high window in an ancient house in Kathmandu and, as is customary, briefly showed herself to tourists. Photos weren’t allowed, but I bought a postcard showing a previous Kumarai in elaborate costume. Kumaris, in centuries-old Nepalese tradition, are young girls who are chosen to be secluded and worshiped as living goddesses for several years and then, about the time of puberty, return to their families as ordinary mortals. This book was co-authored by a woman who was the Royal Kumari from 1984-91. She later, with great effort, became educated and earned a bachelor of information technology degree. It’s a rare look at the life of a Royal Kumari through the eyes of a child who actually was one, and also reveals the challenges they face when they are no longer “living goddesses.”

The Miller Outdoor Theater production is delightful with exquisite, colorful Shakespearian-era costumes, creative staging, and, most significant, talented, exuberant actors able to turn a very old slapstick comedy into a play that keeps the audience laughing. Great choreography, surprisingly good music and fun! It's a wonder that the Bard created a woman with as much fire and wit as Beatrice and others that are her match and that they still come alive and take over the stage in "Much Ado About Nothing."