Bhubaneswar, May 2: Odia drama Mukhagni was staged by Theatre Marathon group of Cuttack at Bhanja Kala Mandap here Tuesday as part of Natyadhara Festival.
Organised by Sangeet Natak Academy under the Department of Culture and Odisha Natyasangha, the play revolves round protagonist Gouranga Babu, an influential man of his village. His wife Sunita, son Jeevan and daughter Annie form the chief plot surrounding Gouranga.
After his daughter’s marriage with Sagar, Gouranga solemnises the marriage of his son who leaves for America with his wife. He works in the US for several years. One day Jeevan get a phone call about his father’s illness and then he takes a flight to Odisha. Back in his village, he remembers his father had told him to light his pyre (Mukhagni) in his native village. However, the twist in the story is Gouranga has been bed-ridden and his son waits for his death so that he can perform his father’s last rites. A month passes when Jeevan’s company in US directs him to resume duty immediately. His family in America also calls him to come back. Finally, he decides to go back to the US. The next morning when he goes to take leave from his father, he discovers that both his parents are dead.
Jeevan finds a poison bottle lying nearby and a note written by Gouranga advising him to complete the last rites before he goes abroad.
Jeevan breaks down and cries inconsolably. The drama showcases the highest sacrifice by parents for their children, though in a negative way.
Satabdira Kalakar staged ‘Maacha Kandanara Swara’, directed by Dheera Mallick, on the first day of the drama festival (May 1). It was based on the life of Bhyuan Tribes of Keonjhar district.
