Rourkela, April 2: Cultural organisation Sampark recently organised a theatre festival in the city. The festival that began on March 27, which was World Theatre Day, concluded on Wednesday.

Swetapadma, presented by Bhubaneswar's Panchamaveda, Manduk Upakhyana by Calcutta-based Creative Art Forum and Prangan, an adaptation of Tagore's Kadambini, by Patna Natyamandir from Bihar stole the hearts of the audience.

Most of the plays that were showcased at the festival defined various human relationships.

The play Sampark, which was staged by the hosts Sampark, redefined emotions and tried to delve deep into the intricacies of human relations. It touched the heart of the audience and showed how deceit marred a good and healthy relation. Director Bhaskar Mohapatra tried to give a subtle touch to his own creation.

Manduka Upakhyanam by Ramesh Panigrahi was adapted by Calcutta-based Soumit Bannerjee. The play cautioned all to avoid taking the path of falsehood to maintain the all-important human bond.

The team from Bihar staged a tragic Tagore classic. It showcased the story of a woman exploited at every level and how her widowhood becomes a mark of curse for her. It was directed by Abhaya Sinha and adapted by Arun Sinha. The main protagonist of the play left everyone speechless with her performance.

The play Swetapadma had a surreal feel. A beautiful wife's total frustration with her timid husband and her appreciation for another man was elegantly portrayed by Haren Sahu, who directed the play.

Bhaskar Mohapatra of Sampark, which organised the festival, said: "I think we have to bring quality plays and give a new taste to the audience to keep the spirit of theatre going."

Noted stage personalities of the city were honoured during the event.