Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24: Based on sensitive theme of conjugal life, the play Kimbadanti was recently staged at Rabindra Mandap for two consecutive days.

The drama paid tribute to playwright Prasanna Das, who passed away in February this year. It was organised by city based cultural organisation Abhinaya Jagruti Institute of Theatre (AJIT) in collaboration with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.

The protagonist, Ashwini Kumar, is a well-established publisher, who is proud of his business acumen. He is happily married to Pragati for 22 years. He cares so much for her happiness that he doesn’t mind being called a henpecked husband. But to his surprise, Pragati keeps bragging about her childhood friend, Tutu Bhai whom he never met.

In the meanwhile, a novelist named Sabyasachi pursues Ashwini to publish his latest work. Even after several denials, the writer convinces him to go through the manuscript. His story is about how a distant cousin ravishes a woman and when she seeks her husband’s assistance, he too disowns her. Left in the lurch, she hails the criminal’s act over her husband.

Sabyasachi’s story not only enrages Ashwini, but also reaps the seeds of distrust. Then the story brings in elements, which fuels his doubts about his wife and her mysterious friend having an illicit relationship. Though the matters are resolved after confrontation, the play highlighted a major social malice. It depicts how easily a woman is put on the mat for her acts and years of love and trust succumb to mere rumours. The play analyses the relationship of a married couple, which is based on the bond of trust and how even slightest stress of suspicion can break it.

Veteran theatre director Ajit Das made sure the actors exhibited excellent chemistry. “I believe in natural acting,” said Das, a National School of Drama (NSD) alumnus. Though based on a serious subject, the act was interspersed with light moments. Tapas Das’ soft music and Asim Basu’s set design were exceptional. The light and sound department deserved accolades too.

As a component of novelty, the story of Sabyasachi’s novel was essayed in dance form. The smooth choreography added a sparkle to the performances.

A huge crowd had assembled at the auditorium to watch Kimbadanti, which is considered Prasanna Das’ one of the best works.

The theatre group, which trains its students both in classical and modern plays, will stage Gangadhar Meher’s play Tapaswini in January.