A still from the play Gunda Prasikshyana Kendra. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, April 4: Ripples of laughter ran through the auditorium of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya (USM) last week as young artistes from the institute enacted some humorous plays on the occasion of World Theatre Day.

Natya Saptah or Theatre Week that began on March 27 concluded on Friday evening at the USM auditorium.

The festival opened with two plays that spread waves of laughter: Subhrabshu Shekhar Parida’s Suna Kalasha and Satyameva Jayate, directed by Pragyan Ranjan Khatua were both based on social themes dipped in humour. The artistes, who comprised students of USM, gave impressive performances. While Suna Kalasha was based on the story of three sons who fight over their father’s dead body for hidden treasure, Satyameva Jayate showed how even god of death Yama has taken to corruption and started collecting protection money!

Humour continued in Para Kalam, based on the impact of politicians on innocent villagers. Two friendly politicians pretend to be from opposing groups and create a divide in the village. Comical turns in the play written by eminent playwright Gopal Chhotray led to the audience erupting in laughter.

“It is wonderful to see such talented young artistes on stage. Comedies are rarely staged at theatre festivals in the city. We are delighted to have attended this rib-tickling Theatre Week,” said Ramakanta Bhuyan, a viewer.

The plays that followed: Doctor Dakeiti Dampha, Nishtura E Bastabata, Shankara and Narkare Chahala were all brilliantly enacted. The stage craft was remarkable. Fakir Mohan Senapati’s famous story Randi Pua Ananta was staged on the concluding day.

“This is the fifth year in a row that we have celebrated World Theatre Day. Apart from Theatre Week, we have started a seminar on the Brechtian style of acting, direction and stagecraft that will be on until Tuesday,” said Nabin Kumar Parida, principal, USM. A workshop and performance on pantomime is also being held at the institution in the evening.