War destroys civilization while peace fosters true human creativity
Rabindra Mandap recently hosted the thought-provoking Odia play "Ruddhadwara," staged by the theatre group Shatabdira Kalakar during the Mousumi Natya Utsav. Written by Ratiranjan Mishra and directed by Dhira Mallick, this drama explores the destructive nature of war against the constructive power of peace. Odisha has a rich, historical tradition of utilizing street and stage theatre for grassroots social messaging, making this thematic choice highly relevant.
Government plans to construct an ammunition depot in the fictional village of Fasalpal serve as the central conflict. Local citizens face the devastating loss of their agricultural lands, water bodies, homes, schools, and temples. Protesters organise continuous day-and-night sit-ins to protect their livelihoods. Furthermore, the agitation persists intensely even after several demonstrators face arrest or fatal injuries.
Performers uniquely integrated traditional Odia folk arts, including Chadheya-Chadheyani dance, Badi Khela, and Naga dance, into the intense narrative to increase public appeal. Twenty-four artists, including Soumendra, Santosh, Monidipa, Priyanka, and Monalisa, delivered compelling performances.
Technical support featured music by Manmath and Pratap, lighting by Tripathy, makeup by Narendra, and stage management led by Bighnaraj, Hemant, and Shubham. Former administrator Sudarshan Nayak, dramatist Dr. Purnachandra Mallick, and actor Sritam Das attended the evening session. Dr. Gourhari Das chaired the event, with Dr. Dhira Mallick actively managing the proceedings.
