Actors of Bijay —Eka Uchhwasa and Ajit Theatre Group enact the play Last Train at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 18: From theatre lovers to eminent theatre personalities, many gathered at the Rabindra Mandap in the city on Saturday to witness a new drama by veteran playwright Bijay Mishra.

The drama, Last Train, was staged by a new theatre organisation Bijay – Eka Uchhwasa and Ajit Theatre Group.

Depicting the current social scenario of the state, the play portrayed how talented youths are being misled by a handful of people in the name of leadership. The plot was situated in the setting of a rural railway platform Singipur.

Right from the station master to the passengers, everyone awaits a train that will be the last from this platform. But many young rebels who follow communist ideology are planning a blast on the train line. Meanwhile, they discuss about the challenges of their rebellious life and get into a debate about their leader.

While some support this leader, others seem to find many faults with him. Yet, the dream of a better future is leading them on the path of revolution. But these visions of the future as well as their leader are shattered in the end, when they come to know how he used them for his own benefits.

The artistes displayed their flair for acting in the play, which was otherwise appearing dragging at times, owing to roaring dialogues during never-ending debates and redundant situations. However, the stagecraft by veteran theatre personality Asim Basu and the surprise element in Bijay Mishra’s script were the high points of the drama.

“These days, ideologies have become only brands and people who enact as leaders make use of these brands to make money at the cost of young rebels. My play was inspired by many real events,” said Mishra, who also celebrated five decades of his career as a playwright as well as his 75th birthday. Ajit Das directed the play while Subhas Kar, Premanjan Parida, Antaryami Panda and others were seen in different roles.

A low turnout was seen at the usually housefull auditorium due to incessant rain and a delay in the proceedings on stage.

“The play was interesting and the actors performed well. Of course, at many points it seemed to be redundant and monotonous. However, I liked the conclusion,” said Arundhati Routray, a viewer.