Bhubaneswar: With India hosting the largest international theatre festival - the 8th Theatre Olympics - for the first time, the state capital is set to be in the spotlight because it will be one of the venues. he world.
The National School of Drama is collaborating with Counselling of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as well as the state culture department to host the Bhubaneswar segment of the festival. The mega event will provide the people of the state to catch a series of 14 stimulating world-class performances, including specially-invited plays from renowned theatre maestros such as Galpo Hekim Saheb by Manoj Mitra, Ishq Malangi by MustaqKak, and Shri Ram Bijoy by Dulal Roy, apart from international productions such as Mohajoner Nao by Sudip Chakraborthy from Bangladesh, Matbring by Yusuf Hasan Arko, also from Bangladesh, and The Suspended Thread by Pino Di Buduo from Italy.
The festival will take place from February 24 to March 10 at Rabindra Mandap, Bhanja Kala Mandap and IMMT auditorium.
The 51-day nationwide theatre extravaganza was inaugurated at Red Fort, Delhi, on February 17. With Flag of Friendship as its theme, the present edition will celebrate universal friendship and human values by showcasing theatre traditions of India and the world.
"Art has been the earliest form of communication. Nothing gives an artist more delight than performing in front of an audience that appreciates art, no matter from which part of the world they come. In a way, theatre is a great equaliser and unites people of multiple cultures and traditions under one umbrella," said Arjun Deo Charan, acting chairman of National School of Drama Society on Tuesday.
He said it was an attempt to bridge the borders across countries through the call of theatre and engage in creating a global village.
Apart from New Delhi, 16 states in the country are playing host including Bhubaneswar. Co-ordinator of the event in the state, Dhira Mallick, said: "Theatre enthusiasts can learn about new trends in the field and interact with each other. It will be of great help to the young artistes from the state willing to get into thetare."
On the inaugural day, a theatre carnival will be held from Ram Mandir Square to Rabindra Mandap.
