Maria Laura Valdez from Peru performs Odissi and (above) artistes from Bangladesh stage a play, The Cobbler’s Wife, at the International Theatre Festival in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 28: The International Theatre Festival got off to a colourful start with a collage of performances by national and global artistes who weaved magic with their dance sequences on Monday.

The solo Odissi performance by dancer Maria Laura Valdez from Peru took centre stage on the opening day of the International Theatre Festival that is being organised by Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangha (UYSS) at Kala Vikash Kendra.

The artiste began with mangalacharan, which was dedicated to Lord Shiva and they later went on to perform pallavi that was set on raga Shankaravarnam.

With intricate moves, perfect coordination and different mudras the danseuse impressed viewers with shiva stuttee and tandav.

“This was my first performance at the International Theatre Festival and in Cuttack as well. I’m really thrilled with the appreciation of the audience,” said Maria.

Maria said initially it was very difficult for her to learn Odissi since the movements were completely new to her. But with help of her guru Sujata Mohapatra and her strong dedication and faith in Lord Jagannath, she has become a versatile Odissi dancer today.

An international play titled The Cobbler’s Wife by the artistes of Sonchalok group from Bangladesh was another attraction on the occasion.

A Rajasthani folk dance Tera Tali staged by artistes from Gujarat also drew a loud applause from the audience.

Tere Tali, a dance belonging to the native of Kamar tribe of northwest India was performed by a group of women.

The dancers tied small metal cymbals known as manjiras to different body parts and clanked them in a rhythmic manner.

The dancers also displayed some daredevil stunts by clenching a sword between their teeth and balancing a decorative pot on their head while performing.

“After the National Theatre Olympiad, there has been an excellent opening to the International Theatre Festival. The performances so far were really charming,” said Subhas Rout, a member from the audience.

On Tuesday evening, it was a traditional dance form of Iran that captivated the viewers. Some of the most appreciated plays staged during the National Theatre Olympiad too were presented here again.