Nepal, Feb. 25 -- For over four decades, the MaHa duo of Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya have tried to maintain a delicate balance between conventionality and contrariness. Having risen from modest backgrounds through dedication, tenacity and hard work combined with an inborn talent for showmanship and some luck, the MaHa duo perhaps realised early on in their career that moderation is the safest route to social acceptance and financial success. While conformity is the enemy of satire, radicalism runs the risk of antagonising the bourgeoisie that can pay for performing arts.

In a society where deprivation is widespread, the success of public figures-even in arts and literature-is measured by their worldly possessions and t...