Stills from play Anka Banka Nai being staged at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, April 6: The story of the ups and downs of life that scatter families and bring them back together again was the topic of the play Anka Banka Nai staged yesterday evening at Rabindra Mandap.

The play was part of the annual cultural function of the directorate of education.

The play, directed by Prabhas Mohanty, told the tale of two families going through tough times. The protagonists — Ramashankar and Colonel Chauhan — like all parents, take the utmost care to bring up their children, but as they grow older, ego clashes emerge.

Ramashankar’s family members want to live away from their parents, while Chouhan’s youngest son becomes an addict and gets involved with anti-social elements.

Left alone, the heartbroken parents are threatened by gangsters and other mischief makers.

The two elderly couples, however, have each other for support. After a number of twists and turns, the plot follows the steps of the prodigal son and the children reunite with the family upon realising their mistakes.

Though the play may not have been the best according to contemporary standards, it was probably an element of traditional folk theatre and hints of jatra when it came to dialogue delivery or expression of emotions that won the hearts of the viewers.

“What was shown in the play justified the title which means ‘the unruly path of a river’. Indeed, life follows its own course. The state of aged parents is well known in today’s fast-paced, ambitious world. This was well portrayed in the play,” said Abinash Kumar Samal, a viewer.

“I was teary eyed through most of the play as the plight of the parents tugged at the heartstrings. I have seen many such cases in real life,” said Karunamayee Das, another viewer.

Director of the play Mohanty said: “Relationships are becoming a burden for youngsters today. Especially once they start earning, they believe in following their dreams. But the condition of parents must be given a thought.”

The child artistes and stage design were laudable in the play which was repeated today.