Bhubaneswar, Jan. 28: Theatre enthusiasts will come together on the outskirts of the city at Natya Gram, the theatre village in Khurda, next week.

The 17th edition of People’s Theatre Festival, organised by Natya Chetana, will see participation from both Indian and European artistes. The five-day festival will begin on February 2 and the theme this year is “unity”.

On the inaugural day, a rally with the artistes and volunteers waving colourful flags and playing music will pass through the streets informing the residents about the festival.

In the evening, the host team would represent its production titled Sua.

Natya Chetana founder Subodh Patnaik directs the play, which deals with corruption in the public distribution system.

On the second day, Rourkela-based troupe Spandan will stage Sunyatara Sesha Katha, directed by Samar Mudali. Pathara, a play by Nayagarh’s Ragesri Nilayam, will be staged on the third day. This play is directed by Sarat Acharya. The last play of the festival Jharana Jhariba is by the host group.

During the festival, noted theatre artistes such as Vahur Paul from Estonia, Merce from Germany, Patrick Navattee from France and Hacen and Anna Merce from Poland will conduct theatre workshops in the mornings.

All the presentations would be discussed the following morning. An exhibition-cum-sale of products would also be going on throughout the festival.

Small dance and musical acts would be performed at the miniature market every evening. On February 4, Saraswati Puja would be celebrated on the premises.

“A revolution is taking place in the country where people are rejecting corrupt politicians. The political scene is going through a sea change. With impending elections, efforts would be made to divide the people on various lines and thus we are promoting ‘unity’ as the mainstay solution to drive out corruption,” said Subodh Patnaik.

Representatives from 11 countries had attended the Natya Chetana’s 15th People’s Theatre Festival.

Last year, the five-day festival witnessed participation from troupes from Odisha and Bengal. But the highlight of the show was a presentation from a South Korean group.