Guwahati, Sept. 24: Akharaghar of Dibrugarh presented Ashur on the third day of the ongoing Seagull national theatre festival. Dramatised on a story by Bhabendranath Saikia, the thematically-strong play is a tale of oppression and triumph where the ashur (demon) finally manages to touch hearts of the people.

Director Ashim Sharma in the main role stood out from the rest though there was scope for improvement particularly in the inaugural scene of the play that did not quite harmonise.

Seagull Production’s Buddhuram, based on the original Kannada play by theatre doyen B.V. Karanth, to whose memory the festival has been dedicated, there was ample scope for verve and vitality.

Director Bhagirathi was successful in orchestrating the Seagull actors into making a lively presentation. Baharul Islam’s music complemented the actors’ movements, while the skilful translation by Bhagirathi made Buddhuram a wholesome experience.

The fourth evening of the theatre festival showcased a production in Hindi by the New Delhi-based Sambhav group. Based on works of three different authors, Mahanagar: Teen Samvad is an in-depth journey into the man-woman relationship conveyed through exchange of dialogues by two actors on stage.

Amitabh Srivastav and Amita Udgata delivered their dialogues with dexterity and there were moments in the play when their staccato delivery made the presentation a gripping experience.

Assamese play Collage, staged by the Goti Group of Sipajhar, was an exercise in abstract presentation. Director Gopikanta Kalita, a young man brimming with ideas, was successful in making the audiences think.