Bhubaneswar, March 19: The 12th National Theatre Festival, Canfest, got off to a colourful start at Jaydev Sadan in Paradip today.

This year, the weeklong festival will stage plays by female directors from across the country.

Directed by Bengal-based theatre artiste Swatilekha Sengupta, the play Madhabi provided an apt start to the fest. Adapted from the the Mahabharat, the play is about Yayati's daughter Madhabi and her beloved Galab, a disciple of Rishi Vishwamitra.

Tomorrow, Mumbai-based director Nadira Zaheer Babbar's Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan will be presented. Theatre troupe Ekjute gives an insight into the numerous strugglers, who are willing to sacrifice everything to achieve an iota of their dreams in Mumbai.

Rourkela-based theatre troupe Prayas will stage Akhi directed by Nibedita Jena and Bhubaneswar-based Sabuja Natya Sanstha will present Mahiyasi under the direction of Bhaswati Basu.

Tripurari Sharma's play May Be This Summer looks into the life of men and women, who live together in urban metropolis. Staged by New Delhi-based theatre troupe Unicorn Actors Studio, the play explores the nature and complexities of such relationships. Directed by Rashi Bunny, the play The Road to Mecca by Banjara theatre group from Mumbai celebrates the creative energies of free-spirited artist. Arshi theatre troupe from Calcutta will stage their productions, Lady Macbeth and Putuler Chithi.

Organised by cultural organisation, Canmass, the festival celebrates the achievements of women theatre directors. "We wanted to bring together the leading luminaries of theatre under one platform and let the audience delve into the magic of their creations," said organisation secretary Sriman N. Mishra.