Artistes stage the play Jharana Jhariba in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Picture Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 10: The theatre season is at its peak in the city with a number of festivals being hosted one after the other.

While thespians are glad to be on stage, theatre-lovers are seen flocking to different auditoriums to enjoy plays of various flavours.

Natya Dhara, the series of plays that continues throughout the year with shows on specific dates every month, fulfilled its November quota with a comic drama Samparka that focused on emotional bonds between strangers.

The series, which is being hosted by the association of theatre groups (Odisha Natya Sangha), included a play performed by local troupe Satabdira Kalakar.

The play was presented at Bhanja Kala Mandap for three consecutive evenings from November 4. November 6 and 7 saw theatre fest Aarohan at Rabindra Mandap. A Jatni-based theatre group, Hawahawa, staged a play criticising the belief in superstitions even in today’s age. Titled Ghatachakra, the play was written and directed by Gopal De.

On Friday, theatre troupe Bijay Eka Uchwasa showcased veteran playwright Bijay Mishra’s Taari Lagi. The play that was based on an old man’s obstinacy and how that leads to unhappiness of the family, received much appreciation from the viewers. It was directed by Arindam Mishra.

“We are delighted to have so many options of watching theatre on different themes almost every day now,” said Biren Majhi, a theatre lover.

On Sunday, the well-known theatre troupe Natya Chetana celebrated its 28th foundation day at the mini auditorium of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya with an exhibition and distribution of sweet dishes. They also staged a 30-minute play called Jharana Jhariba, which has been played at 52 places in Kandhamal. Another play, Sua, based on celebrated author Pranabandhu Kar’s short story Sua Muhare Patara was also staged.

A national theatre fest, jointly hosted by the state culture department, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, East Zone Cultural Centre and Odisha Natya Sangha, began today. The five-day fest features plays by troupes from Calcutta, Guwahati, Kochi, Hyderabad and Mumbai, said Abhinna Routray, secretary of the Odisha Natya Sangha.