Bhubaneswar: An performance inspired by the musical and theatrical elements of geetinatya (dance drama) tradition was presented at the Rabindra Mandap in the city on Tuesday.

The dance drama Tyaga (sacrifice) reflected the deep understanding that the performing artistes had of the art form.

The event hosted in collaboration with dance academy Srjan was supported by ministry of culture, government of India.

Tyaga was a story about two women, self-sacrificing and devoted. The twists and turns in their lives and the way they dealt with extreme situations were artistically depicted compelling the audience, especially women, to ponder on their priorities.

In keeping with the geetinatya tradition, the production opened with the vibrant music of Indian musical instruments.

Lakhyaheera is a lady who was forced into prostitution by tragic circumstances while Anasuya is a princess, beautiful and devout. By an accident of fate, the princess marries a characterless leper.

Both these women had to face difficult situations and the play revolves around their sacrifices, which helped them to sail through the difficulty.

The presentation was adapted from a play by Odia dramatist Kartik Ghosh. Students of Srjan demonstrated their mastery over Odissi movements with perfection.

"We played the character to our best efforts while the challenge was also to give enough importance to pure dance portions," said Rajashree Praharaj, an actor of the play.

"The production had the classical richness of Odissi. The dancers were in sync and very expressive," said Sushree Lenka, a young Odissi dancer.