Baripada, September 24:The third evening of the second annual National Theatre Festival, organised by AME, Baripada, witnessed an enthusiastic response from theatre lovers at the local Shahid Smruti Bhavan, with two plays—Kanchi Abhiyan and Raja—captivating the audience.
The first play of the evening, Kanchi Abhiyan, was presented by Bhanjabhumi Cultural Council, Baripada. Directed by Anubala Mohanty, the play featured Arupananda Mahala, Asit Kumar Mallik, Tapan Kumar Behera, Jitendra Dalabehera, Stuti Mohanty, Katyayani Mohanty, Anindita Priyadarshini Bhuyan, Chinmay Sejapada and Namrata Naik in various roles. Akshaya Mohanty served as the music director and lent his voice, while Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahapatra penned the lyrics.
The second play, Raja, was presented by AME Kranti, Udala. Written by Dr. Narayan Sahu and directed by Ratikanta Behera, the play featured Ratikanta Behera, Ashok Patnaik, Kundan Bhanj, Asit Giri, Pradyumna Das, Girish Das, Rahul and Selvi in different roles. Ramachandra Mahapatra handled the lighting, Sushant Das was in charge of music, and Prakash Das assisted in direction.
The inaugural session of the evening was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Kailash Chandra Mohanty, president of the organising committee. Prof. Mahendra Kumar Mohanty, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Ram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, retired teacher Rajani Barik, retired Child Development Officer Pritisudha Tripathy and Santosh Kumar Mohanty, president of the Baripada Artists’ Family, attended as guests. They formally inaugurated the programme and wished the festival success.
Noted actor and director and secretary of the organising committee, Chinmay Das Patnaik, delivered the welcome address and proposed the vote of thanks.
The performances received an encouraging response from the audience, adding to the festive atmosphere of the National Theatre Festival.
