Rourkela, Jan. 10: The 30th Lok Natak Mahotsav, a state-level competitive theatre festival organised by Cultural Academy, concluded at Civic Centre yesterday.

Only six scripts from an initial application of 50 got the nod to take part in the event.

"We are very discrete about script selection which is done by an independent body of editors," said festival convener Akhaya Samal.

The selected scripts dealt with a variety of topics.

Rangabhumi's Kebala Manisha, on the theme of the ruling class combining religion and politics, drew widespread applause on the first day. City-based Koel Club followed them with Aeithu Arambha - a play on mining scam.

BPL, by Kalinga Kala Parishad, another group from Rourkela, spoke about the plight of the downtrodden, while Dadan traced the problems that lead to migration and subsequent exploitation. Parinati by Rangamancha, a Rourkela-based group, was based on Kanhu Charan Mohanty's classic Sasti and took the story forward from where the novel ended. The final competitive play was Thapa Thuna Ashrama by DD Cultural Society of Subarnapur - a narration on the corrupt system prevalent in the state's ashram schools.

Local troupe Sankalpa presented Juga Sandhira Bindhani, which was not part of the competition.

Rourkela Steel Plant's executive director M.K. Das, who was the honourable guest on the concluding evening, appreciated Cultural Academy's efforts. Former minister Panchanan Kanungo said: "There is no comparison between theatre and other platforms as this medium directly connects to the audience on a one to one basis."

Dadan by Rajkumar Sahu from Bargarh was adjudged the best script and Parinati by Rangamanch got the best production award. The best director award went to Prasant Pati for Aeithu Arambha. Rajkumar Sahu also won the best actor award for his portrayal of the character Matu in Dadan while Minakhi Suna won best actress for Samari in the same play.

Academy president Nrusingha Sahu said: "If we get such overwhelming response, the festival will go on forever."