Kathmandu, Nov. 29 -- A good theatrical sound design doesn't call attention to itself. It enhances what's happening on the stage-the emotions, the mood, the atmosphere. It often goes unnoticed, as do several backstage works crucial to a play's success. "Sound design is a stepchild," as a reviewer once wrote, "neglected at best, abused at worst".

"Imagine you're riding a boat in a lake at a scenic landscape," says Dev Neupane, over the phone from Pokhara, as he walks the Post through the essentials of good theatrical sound design. "You're more likely focused on the surrounding scenery, hardly aware you're on the water. That's what good sound design does in a play-it's present without drawing attention to itself."

Neupane has been designi...