Kathmandu, Aug. 22 -- The opening scene of 'Summer Love' is a masterclass of nostalgia. For a few minutes, the stage feels like a memory.

A cruise to Norway unfolds through smoke and a soft harmonica, and for anyone who has read Subin Bhattarai's 'Summer Love', the familiarity arrives immediately. The opening is immersive in a way that feels intimate. The harmonica carries the atmosphere, giving the story the hazy quality of reminiscence.

The production, directed by Samrat Bhujel, remains faithful to Bhattarai's novel. Lines have been lifted with such precision that readers will sometimes find themselves anticipating the dialogue. Atit's monologues, in particular, benefit from remaining close to the novel. There is something satisfying ...