Actors perform Kahani Eka Ratira at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 8: Degradation of values in politics and in all walks of life because of corruption and unethical practices was the theme of an entertaining satirical play at Rabindra Mandap last evening.

Staged by members of Jadumani Dash Memorial Foundation, the play, Kahani Eka Ratira (Tale of One Night), left the audience in splits with its comic portions.

A drunken man, who was once a university topper, now lives on the streets because he does not have a job. One night, he sleeps under a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and wakes up to see the statue crying.

When he asks the Father of the Nation why was he crying, four voices tell him that they are the evils of society who have become strong in the country and have kept the public away from Gandhi, the leader they once followed sincerely.

Consequently, the man visits a politician, a bureaucrat, a wealthy socialite businessman and a teacher. He pleads them to sing the national anthem so that Gandhi stops weeping. But none of them could remember the words of the national anthem. However, since it is October 1, all of them are preparing to show their false love for Gandhian philosophy in front of the public the following day.

While returning disappointed, he comes across a street kid reciting the national anthem with utmost sincerity and dedication. The patriotism of the boy, who represents the future of the country, finally brings hope of a better future in the man.

The audience enjoyed some dialogues and gestures of the characters that created waves of laughter and applause.

“The ignorance of the politician and the act of the teacher and his wife were really humorous. The concept of the play was very impressive,” said Smrutirekha Sahoo, a viewer.