Puri/Bhubaneswar, April 6: Social and mythological tales have caught attention of theatre lovers in the pilgrim town, where a national event is under way.

Rangashala, a city-based theatre troupe, is hosting the festival at Muktakasha Rangamancha in Puri.

The theatre fest started on April 2 with the host troupe's play Patitapabana that is based on a mythological tale of Lord Jagannath.

The following days were dedicated to social themes. Spandana theatre troupe from Pattamundei of Kendrapada staged the story of a social worker, who earns enemies for raising a voice against corruption and other social evils and is murdered. But, the revolution does not stop with another such protagonist emerging at the end of the play, hinting that there will always be people to stand against injustice.

Another play Krishna staged by a Calcutta-based troupe is based on the social status of women. It deals with the subject by making comparisons between Draupadi of mythology and the play's female protagonist, who undergoes various challenges posed by the society. Assamese troupe Anubhab Actors Guild compares the life of a girl with the metamorphosis of a butterfly in the play Pokhila, while Ebang Kiye of Uttarpurusha depicts how political leaders and parties exploit the citizens for their own profits throughout the year but when the same citizens turn voters, all their demands are paid attention to. The theatre festival will conclude tomorrow.

"Puri was the cultural centre where the first Odia film was born and which has also been home to Odissi's ancient form. But today, the cultural scene is not as active. The festival is an effort to revive interest among people for theatre and also encourage artistes in the city," said Rangashala founder Bikram Sahoo.

In another development, disciples of guru Kelucharan Mohapatra will pay homage to the legendary Odissi dancer at a concert hosted by Srjan and Art Vision at Raindraon the occasion of his death anniversary tomorrow at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar.

Mohapatra, revered by the dance fraternity members across the globe, is known for reviving Odissi and bringing it to the stage from its ancient form of temple ritual dance. He died on April 7, 2004. Srjan used to host a concert Samsmaranam in his memory since 2004 and Art Vision has been hosting the concert Remembering Guruji since the past nine years to pay tributes to the dance guru. This year, both festivals have combined into one.

"The humility of Guruji were as great as his dance. Our love for him unites all of his disciples. Every year, we come together. While some perform, some join us among the audience. We all seek his blessings," said Ileana Citaristi, a disciple of Mohapatra.

Every year, the dancers perform Mohapatra's choreographies and compositions. This year, too, all the Odissi genres such as mangalacharan, abhinay, pallavi and mokshya will be performed.

The highlight of the programme will be the screening of a film on the life of the legendary artiste to throw light on various aspects of his life as a dancer, teacher and a family person.

"The entire Odissi fraternity is looking forward to this evening of exclusive Odissi compositions choreographed by the master and more so since they will be presented by some of his senior disciples and their younger students. The evening is conceived as a homage to the great guru, whose legacy goes on among many disciples devoted to the teaching and performing of his art," said Odissi choreographer Ratikanta Mohapatra, disciple and son of Kelucharan Mohapatra.