Artistes of Ebam Ame stage Pheribara Samaya at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 20: A play portraying the unpredictable facets of human nature received an encouraging response from viewers. Theatre group Ebam Ame staged the play, Pheribara Samaya, at Rabindra Mandap on Monday.

The play illustrates how far greed can carry people. It revolves around the character of Debadutta, a naïve but rich man, who is cheated by his close friend, Jagadish. Plotting against his friend, Jagadish turns Debadutta mentally unstable following which the latter is sent to a mental asylum. Jagadish takes over the entire property of his friend with the help of his aides.

Even after 20 years, when Debadutta returns after being completely cured, he does not find anyone who recognises him and Jagadish again comes up with new schemes to oust his friend. Failing to understand the hunger for wealth for which even strong bonds of friendship are forgotten, Debadutta retires to the asylum, finding more solace there than among sane people.

Veteran playwright Bijay Mishra’s script was well executed by the artistes of Ebam Ame, though certain portions looked utterly conventional.

“The flow of the drama was gripping and the supplement of humour at times made it a good watch. However, I felt the stage setting could have been a little better. The actors were impressive in their performances,” said Arabinda Rath, a viewer.

“The drama was quite entertaining. It was one of those plays of Bijay Mishra where the denouement is always a surprise for the viewer,” said another viewer, Swati Baral.

The play was directed by Nalini Nihar Nayak while Phelu, Raghunath, Jitu, Surya and others were seen in various roles. The music was composed by Binay and Pratap. The drama was staged on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the theatre group.

“It has been a journey of ups and downs to survive for over three decades. But, it is encouraging to see that we have received the viewers’ support throughout,” said Nayak.