An actor performs in Odia play Katha and (right) Iranian artistes stage the puppet show at Kala Vikash Kendra in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Sept. 8: An Odia play titled Katha, staged by Sambalpur-based Swara group, has won a great round of applause at the ongoing Indian Theatre Olympiad at Kala Vikash Kendra here.

The play revolved around two characters, Adhyatmika and Ajagara, both trying to delve deeper into the causes of their loneliness. The play also vividly portrays their day-to-day life and their ensuing battle with social stigmas.

The 30-minute play staged on Sunday evening tries to showcase the problems faced by the youth due to the ever-changing trends in the contemporary society.

It also projected the dire need for a balance between materialistic life and the role of spirituality in these testing times.

“Our modern day society is a quagmire and problems have become such a part of life that there is hardly anyone willing to devote time and find long-lasting solutions. That’s why theatre has become a marvellous medium to shake us up and bring us face to face with the reality,” said Sudhakar Patra, a member from the audience.

Patra said the theatre festival had been successful in showcasing the betrayal that had been more of a norm than exception in our society.

A puppet show by Marsotech, a theatre group from Iran, also won the hearts of the audience.

The 20-minute show was based on the love story and how a young couple spend their moments against all odds and the vagaries of nature. The programme concluded with a solo dance by another artiste from Iran.

Around 3,000 participants from 15 states and 10 countries are taking part in the festival that is in its 22nd year. The Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangha has organised the festival. Over 100 plays will be staged during the event that will conclude on September 20.

“Our aim is to bring together creative people, who excel in the arts, from across the globe and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talents to the people of Cuttack. Theatre is facing a stiff challenge from other means of entertainment,” said dramatist and sangha secretary Kartik Chandra Rath.