Rourkela: The four-day theatre festival organised by Sampark, which began on March 27 to mark the World Theatre Day, came to an end on Friday evening at the Civic Centre here.

This year there were four plays, two from Odisha and two from other states. The Odia plays were - Atha Narada Ubacha and Parli and the other two plays were - Gita Gobindo and Charulata.

"I am happy that the Charulata was translated into Hindi," said Uttam Patel, a student and theatre enthusiast. For many, Parli, a play where the story writer Bhaskar Mohapatra had extensively used the tribal language with local dialect, was also a shift from traditional Odia plays. It was directed by Lala Biren Ray and was presented by Ame Srusti of Bhubaneswar.

" Parli was an eye opener as far as dialogue writing was concerned. It proved that sometimes knowing a language is not important to understand the art form," said Sabita Mohanty, member of the audience.

Mohapatra, who wrote the stories for both the Odia plays, said: " Atha Narada Ubacha was born out of the pain I experienced every day for my language. I'm happy that Odia has been declared as a classical language."

President of Sampark Sikta Pati said: "Our aim is to contribute to the world of theatre. I am happy if our efforts are appreciated."

Mentioning there would be no dearth of spectators if there are good scripts and presentation, she said: "We are committed to present good plays and would continue to do so, despite the constraints."

This edition of the festival was backed by culture departments of state and the Centre, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited and Rourkela Steel Plant. On the concluding evening, additional secretary of the state department of energy Sangram Keshari Swain was the chief guest. He said: "Theatre is the reflection of life."