(Top) Artistes of Eso Natak Shikhi from Calcutta stage a play — Khawaish — the desire and dancers from Lucknow perform Bharatnatyam at Kala Vikas Kendra in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 12: Interesting plays by artistes of different states were performed on the second day of the Indian Theatre Olympiad — a festival of multilingual plays as well as folk and classical dances. The 19th edition of the cultural extravaganza that is on at the Kala Vikas Kendra had got off to a colourful start on Saturday.

A play titled Khawaish — the desire — staged by seven child artistes of Eso Natak Shikhi theatre group from Calcutta received rave response on Monday at the festival. It portrayed the tale of a few labourers who work at a shoe factory to fulfil their dreams. But things take an ugly turn when a fire mishap at the factory kills the labourers and their hopes and aspirations remain confined to dreams forever. The play was written and directed by Tapan Das.

Apart from this, a drama by the artistes of Nartan Cultural Repertory, Assam, titled Birthday gift and Jeevan Dhara by Spandan group, Rourkela were also staged on the occasion. Rich cultural programmes in the form of Odissi and Bharatnatyam regaled the audience at the Kala Vikash Kendra.

Over the years, the Indian Theatre Olympiad being organised by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh (UYSS) has showcased about 1,900 dramas performed by almost 61,000 enthusiastic amateur artistes and directors belonging to various groups from India.

This year, more than 150 plays, along with dance performances, are expected to be presented. The categories of plays are likely to include contemporary, humorous, historical, mythological, ancient, folk, musical, experimental, children’s play, non-verbal and mime.

“More than 3,500 dramatists, actors, playwrights and choreographers of over a hundred theatre and dance groups are expected to participate in the theatre olympiad,” said Kartik Chandra Rath, noted dramatist and the general secretary of UYSS.

During this period, an national classical and folk dance competition, along with a vocal and instrumental music, will also be held as a part of the festival. Around 1,000 dancers, vocal and musical artistes will present Odissi, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Manipuri, other classical and folk dance recitals.

The International Theatre Festival, another facet of the theatre olympiad will start from September 26 and continue till September 30. “This year nine theatre groups from America, Canada, Brazil, Peru, Poland, Romania, Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh will participate in it,” said Rath.

Interesting dramas by artistes of different states were performed on the second day of the Indian Theatre Olympiad- a festival of multilingual plays as well as folk and classical dances. The 19th edition of the cultural extravaganza that is on at the Kala Vikas Kendra had got off to a colourful start on Saturday.

A play titled ‘Khawaish’ - the desire, staged by seven child artistes of ‘Eso Natak Shikhi’ theatre group from Calcutta received rave response on Monday at the festival. It portrayed the tale of a few labourers who work at a shoe factory to fulfill their dreams. But things take an ugly turn when a fire mishap at the factory kills the hardworking labourers and their hopes and aspirations remain confined to dreams forever. The play was written and directed by Tapan Das.

Apart from this, a drama by the artists of Nartan Cultural Repertory, Assam titled ‘Birthday gift’ and ‘Jeevan Dhara’ by Spandan group, Rourkela were also staged on the occasion. Rich cultural programs in the form of Odissi and Bharatnatyam also regaled the audience present at the Kala Vikash Kendra.

Over the years, the Indian Theatre Olympiad being organized by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangh (UYSS) has showcased about 1900 dramas performed by almost 61,000 enthusiastic amateur artists and directors belonging to various groups from India.

This year, more than 150 plays along with dance performances are expected to be presented. The categories of plays to be presented are likely to include contemporary, humorous, historical, mythological, ancient, folk, musical, experimental, children’s play, non-verbal and mime.

“More than 3500 dramatists, actors, playwrights and choreographers of over a hundred theatre and dance groups are expected to participate in the Theatre Olympiad,” said Kartik Chandra Rath, noted dramatist and the general secretary of UYSS.

During this period an All India Classical and Folk Dance Competition and an All India Vocal and Instrumental Music Competition will also be held as a part of the festival. Around 1000 dancers, vocal and musical artistes will be presenting Odissi, Kuchipudi,.Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathak,Manipuri, other classical and folk dance recitals.

The International Theatre Festival, another facet of the Theatre Olympiad will start from September 26 and continue till 30. “This year nine theatre groups from America, Canada, Brazil, Peru, Poland, Romania, Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh will participate in it,” informed Rath.