Sambalpur, Dec. 27: The 18thVeer Surenda Sai All-OdishaSambalpuriDramaCompetition is drawing a huge crowd in the city.

The competition, which began on Wednesday,is being organised by a socio-cultural organisation, YubaUdayan. Hundreds of theatre lovers are seen thronging the venue to witness Sambalpuri plays being staged at the Aranyak Manch.Three plays are being staged every evening.

'The competition provides us with the opportunity to watch severalSambalpuriplaysand performances of the eminent artistes of thestate,' said Rajnish Dash, atheatre enthusiast.

Secretary of the organising committee Siddharth Panda said: 'We had received 35 scripts, of which, 21 were selected for the competition. The plays carry messages of social awareness. The budget of the competition is around Rs 3 lakh.'

'I am very happy to see the crowd. The audience response is really encouraging for the theatre artistes,' said Atish Satpathy of the Adrushya Natya Ashram, Sambalpur.

Atish had acted in To be continued... that was staged on December 24.

The plays, which have already been staged in the contest, are To be Continued..., Peten Biha by the Ma Naiken Natakdal of Kardola, Third Degree by the Sampark of Padiabahal, Kunua by the Kishore Kalakar Sangh, Kesheipali, Jin Test by the Nabarasa Kalaparishad of Bargarh, Bhali Bhali Marbu by the Mahak Natya Anusthan of Palsagora in Boudh, Dasashata Nayanam Basabam by the Kalabhumi of Barpali and Pathar by the Budhasambhar Sahitya Aar Sasnkrutik Anusthan, Padampur.