Artistes stage a play titled Jama kharcha at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, May 3: A comedy that won applause and hearts of the audience gave the perfect start to theatre group Uttar Purusha’s Nataka Parikrama theatre festival.

Once again, the viewers were given a treat with a tale of greed that was flavoured with humour enough to keep Rabindra Mandap houseful till the play ended.

Veteran theatre personality Asim Basu’s direction and stagecraft were appreciable. Viewers would not stop laughing and clapping until the play, Jama Kharcha was over. An adaptation of Chandan Sen’s play inspired by William Cruice, the drama depicted the never-ending desire of people to accumulate wealth that sometimes crosses all limits. The plot revolved around the life of a rich man Ambuja who has acquired a lot of wealth by cheating people. However, he does not find solace in his riches, as he has none to care for him except his old servant.

Bed-ridden following a road-accident, Ambuja is never taken proper care of by his wife since the couple have differences regarding his property will. His father-in-law and wife try various plans to grab the property. After various comical twists, the evil plans fail. The servant, despite not being related to Ambuja, remains faithful till the end.

The balanced performance of all the artistes, starting from dialogue delivery to expressions, was praiseworthy as were the humorous situations that Basu could create.

“The play discussed a serious subject but in a light mood. I feel this attracts the audience and when they recall the funny situations, the theme behind it also comes to the mind and makes an impact,” said Basu.

Jama Kharcha seemed to strike the right chord with the viewers. “It was brilliant. I enjoyed the entire play, right from the beginning to the last scene when the plans of the greedy wife and the father-in-law fail. Such comedies should be staged more often,” said Gourishankar Dash, a viewer.