Bhubaneswar: Theatre aficionados in and around Bhubaneswar are in for a memorable theatrical experience as Bidyakanak Srujananusthana, one of premier theater groups in Odisha, is all set to roll out its 8th edition of ‘National Theatre Festival’ from May 23 to May 27 at Rabindra Mandap.
The shows will begin every evening at 7 pm.
This five-day festival promises a rich theatrical feast with two Odia plays, two Hindi plays and one Bengali play, offering something for every drama lover.
The inaugural play is ‘Ulgulan’, an Odia play presented by the host group, written and directed by Abakash Mishra. The play, draws inspiration from the life and struggles of tribal icon Birsa Munda, is expected to leave theatre lovers asking for more.
The second evening’s play is ‘Din Ke Andhere’, a Hindi play staged by Seagull Theatre from Guwahati, Assam. Originally written by Spanish playwright Garcia Lorca, it has been translated into Hindi by J N Kaushal. Celebrated theatre personality Bhageerathi Bai has helmed its design and direction.
On the third evening the spotlight will be on ‘Oedipus’, an Odia adaptation of Sophocles’ timeless classic. A team from Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, will stage the play, under the direction of Debabratta Pattanayak.
Adding another feather to the festival’s cap is ‘Shikasta’, a Hindi play presented by Nipa Ranga Mandali, a theatre group from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Written by Bharatendu Kashyap and directed by Surya Mohan Kulshrestha, the play is expected to strike a chord with audiences.
Bringing the curtains down on the festival will be the Bengali classic Raktakarabi, presented by Sarabhuj from Paschim Midnapore, West Bengal. Written by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the play’s design and direction is helmed by Tarun Pradhan.
Organisers said the productions have been carefully handpicked and are sure to offer audience an engrossing viewing experience.
Since its inception in 2015, ‘Bidyakanak Srujananusthan’ has carved a niche in Odisha’s cultural calendar. Besides its National Theatre Festival in May, it hosts a theatre festival-like event in September every year, and musical soirees on January 1 and July 4.
