Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, July 27: On the second day of the four-day Western Drama festival organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi and state culture department at Bhanja Kala Mandap, scores of theatre were treated to a piece of the most astounding theatrical performance.
The play ‘Marubhumi’ written by Parmeshwara Mond and directed by Prabodh Rath, certainly offered them serene aesthetic enjoyment. The plot was engrossing and so were the performances of talented artistes that kept the audience captivated for one and a half hours.
The play was performed by Adim Natya Sanstha of Bhawanipatna in which 21 artistes performed. Speaking to Orissa POST, director Prabodh Rath said, “Marubhumi is about the fight between millet and mines. The story deals with perils of modernisation and its effect on nature. Tribal people in remote areas depend on nature and are surrounded by natural beauty, but for the sake of development and money the so-called civilised and educated people spoil the natural habitat of tribal villagers and render them destitute in their own land.”
“The story is based on the loss of human values. Modern man has become selfish and to further his own selfish ends exploit the resources and the means of sustenance of innocent tribals,” he added.
“I thoroughly enjoyed today’s performance. The storyline of the play was apt. We are engaged in an orgy of destruction in lieu of advancing the goals of so-called development. The emotion of tribal people who mostly depend on nature and are close to nature was perfectly portrayed. All the artistes have done justice to the essence of the characters and background music accompanied by tribal instruments created a unique ambience,” said Arvind Panigrahi who confessed to being deeply moved by the play.
Four theatre troupes from Sambalpur, Bolangir, Koraput, Sundargarh and Kalahandi are participating in the festival. Most of the plays are being performed in the local dialects of the region. The festival will conclude July 30.