Sambalpur, April 15: A Sambalpuri play competition is going to be organised at Bargarh by the Utkala Gaurava Kalakar Sangha, a cultural organisation, from April 19.

The competition, which will be held on the Kadambini Mandap of the city, will end on April 24. “We have given priority to the plays which would depict the art, culture and traditions of the state. We want to address social problems through these plays. We have selected plays that would depict the problems related to religion, the need to protect the environment, and the effects of AIDS in our society,” said Pradipta Sandha, president of the Utkala Gaurava Kalakar Sangha.

“Sixteen plays will be staged at the competition. The Bargarh Samarpana Natya Anusthan will perform their play Parisra Kariba Mana and Belpahar Mirror Theatre will stage Mar Ghichikari Chapko Latho on the inaugural day.

The other groups participating in the festival are Atabira Tihar Kala Parishad, Shree Cultural Association of Sambalpur, Bargarh Nabras Kala Parishad, Bargarh Natyam, Katapali Sanskrutika Kala Parishad, Nrusinghanath Kala Niketan of Paikmal, Bolangir Ramaswami Kala Parishad, Srujani Parivar of Jharsuguda, Abarniguda Naty Parishad of Padmapur, Abhinaya Sanskrutik Anusthan of Padmapur, Dharmatma Cultural Association of Sambalpur and Adrushya Nata Anusthan of Sambalpur.

“Our earlier festivals have been highly appreciated by audience and we had received an overwhelming response from theatre lovers. We expect this year’s festival will also receive similar response, ” said Sandha.