Artistes perform Odissi dance at the 6th annual function of Angahara Nrutyayana in Berhampur. Pictures by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Berhampur, Sept. 6: Odissi dance drama Dharmapada, which was presented by young artistes of Berhampur-based Angahara Nrutyayana, enchanted dance enthusiasts in the Silk City.

The artistes, who had earlier won hearts performing at different parts of the country, thrilled the viewers at the Town Hall here on Sunday.

The dancers brought alive the legend of Dharmapada — a young boy, who is believed to have created the dome of the Konark temple — with their performance on stage.

The dance drama started with the scene in which Bishu Maharana, Dharmapada’s father, left his home to join other artisans to build the Sun Temple while his son was only a few months old.

Using innovative sequences and touching expressions, the artistes showed how Dharmapada embarks on a journey to meet his father and then to save the artisans from the fury of the king, creates the temple dome and then jumps into the sea.

“Our aim is to further popularise the character of Dharmapada, the 12-year-old son of head artisan Maharana, who along with 1, 200 others built the world famous Black Pagoda of the East. The character of Dharmapada and the architectural marvels of the Konark temple depict the craftsmanship of ancient Orissa and we are trying to take the story to various parts of the country,” said Guru Jayant Acharya, secretary of Angahara Nrutyayana.

“After receiving a great response from the audience at Shantiniketan and Visakhapatnam, we wished to stage this dance drama in our hometown and we are overjoyed with the response here,” he said.

As many as 24 artistes of the institution, including the Acharya, performed the 18-minute-long Odissi dance drama. Acharya was impressive enacting Maharana’s role , while 17-year-old Jigyansu Das moved viewers in his role as Dharmapada.

“The theme and presentation were both touching. This moving tale of Dharmapada was depicted very well today,” said Minati Tripathy, a viewer.

A folk dance item by child artistes also attracted many. Twenty-five child artistes danced to the tune of Jhainre jhain, mote chinhi paribu nahin. The audience also enjoyed Mokshya that was presented during the programme.