Play
Bitarkita Aparanha is a story of three generations, the conflict between one generation that is on the verge of passing into oblivion and the succeeding two generations.The middle generation represented by the couple Sukumar and Saswati is being torn between the old-world values and the pressing demands of modern life and is often visited by their alter egos. Wrestling with themselves in the form of their unseen adversaries (the other selves within) not only highlights their inner moral conflict but brings forth the essential father and the essential mother in them too. Bulbul & Leena belong to the present generationgives a damn to the faith that his grandpa Nilaratan holds on to. The play closes with the apparent burial of ‘tradition’ and leaves a lot for the audience to brood over.
Writer
Manoranjan Das was an influential Indian dramatist, and pioneer of modernism in Odia Literature. He was known for his experimentalism and deep socio-political awareness, who became most known in the 1960s with his experimental theatre. His notable plays areJanmamati, Jauban,Baxi Jagabandhu, Agami, Abarodha, Sabdalipi, Nandika Kesari, Kathagodha and Aranya Fasal which won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971.
Director
Sriman N. Mishra, is an actor, theatre director, playwright, and poet. He has been working for the cause of Theatre for more than 25 years. His directed plays are Gandhi Bhumikare, Se Marigale, Chandrama Ra Chudi, Andhara Ra Suryamukhi, Mangala Mahuri Ra Tana, Gandhinka Odisha, Nihsanga Nayakto name a few. As a theatre critic and poet, he has contributed articles to many magazines and periodicals.
Director’s Note
Bitarkita Aparanha play always fascinates me due to itsunique dramatic structure and contemporary value. Though it is written in 1980s still I feel the similar happenings at present society. The dramatization of two special characters in the form of shadows and interaction with the original one, trends a separate projection in theatre which allures me to stage the play. I have used some non-realistic diagrammatic structure as stage craft, to elevate the spectators visual frame and to match the thematic richness of the play as well. However, some of the scenes of the drama has been edited to present the play without monotony or repetition of the lines.
Group
Canmass is one of the leading cultural organizations in the state of Odisha, promoting art, literature & drama for last couple of years. It has been organizing a National Theater Festival, Canfest, at Paradip, the only port city of the state, since 2004 inviting many eminent troupes from different regions of the country.The grouporganizes various theatre and literary activities, state level poetry reading session, and Theatre Workshop for students and Children Theatre Festival. It has organized since last Seven years‘Odia Playwrights’ Conference’ in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi. It imparts a Short-Term Certificate Course on ‘Acting, News casting and Anchoring’ under ‘Canmass School of Performing Arts’ (CASPA).