Rourkela, Nov. 6: People were treated to an array of cultural programmes here in last few days.

A fortnight-long theatre workshop conducted by Nabin Kumar Parida, former head of the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, involving schoolchildren recently came to an end in the town. The workshop was organised by Pratidhwani, an amateur theatre group, in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.

A play, Iti jebe hase (When Iti Laughs), was performed on the concluding day. The play is an adoption of a short story by Bhupen Mahapatra, a city-based writer.

The workshop concentrated on honing the acting talent of the participants and also on stagecraft and make up. "We had 25 students from various schools who took part in the workshop and all of them took part in the drama," said Lakhmi Narayana Mohapatra, secretary of Pratidhwani.

The participants were awarded with certificates and they would also be asked to take part whenever the group conducts any plays.

The 19th Vedvyas Sangeet Nrityoutsav also came to an end last evening at Bhanja Bhawan Cultural Complex.

The five-day programme, which was organised by the Bhanja Kala Kendra, hosted some of the finest performing artists. Kathak by Nayantara and her troupe, Krishnaleela from Mathura and Pasu Nrutya from Bhanjanagar were the highlights of the final evening.

"I was not expecting such an enthusiastic crowd, which was enjoying every bit of the nuances of Kathak," Nayantara said.

The Pasu Nrutya from Bhanjanagar was more appreciated for the difficult and intricate movements of the artists. Based on the theme of the wanton killing of the animals by human being for personal agenda, the performance touched the heart of the audience. "I had heard about Narayana Maharana, but today I really saw what wonder he can create," said dance enthusiast Lili Mohaptra.

"When we look at the audience, we feel that it is a good job done by us and that gives us the satisfaction," said Radha Mohapatra of the organisation, which conducts the event.

This year, the attraction was the Bharatnatyam by Geeta Sirisha and her team from Bangalore. The Sur Vibration by Jayashree Dhala was a unique fusion of contemporary dance and traditional music. "I come here every year and stay with my daughter to see the five day festival," said Maehsh Bahidar, who had come from Sambalpur to watch the show.