There was a prevailing custom of human sacrifice in the bygone days. This custom was observed by the tribal shamanistic culture. The present play is a matter of reconstructing the custom of this sacrifice in a modified way, and the place is also imaginary depicting a failed love story and sacrificing oneself for the same cause. As parts of the depiction shown in the play is not followed now, this is presented as fiction.

Director:

Deepak Ranjan Pati has an extensive experience of stage, film, and digital performances. He has directed plays such as Saba Bahakamane, Choro, NH-316, and Ekka. As a leading actor, he has performed in 64 plays, portraying main roles in numerous productions primarily directed by Ajit Das, including Mamu, Sasti, Sesha Pahacha, Apabad, Jeevan Mrtyu, Sadgati, Chukti, Jayadev Gitagobindom, Rebati, and Chhamana Athaguntha, among many others. His contribution extends beyond theatre to cinema, with performances in films like Katha Deli Matha Chhuni, Chhabirani, Oye Guitar, Tri Kanya, Jwain Amara American, and Mira. He has also appeared in web series such as Gangs of Puri and Salabega.

Director’s Note

My inclination towards this subject started with my visit to the interiors of tribal Odisha and their traditions and dance. This inspired me to take up this project, though this script does not deal with a particular tribe; here I have picked and mixed many forms like Mayurbhanj Chhau, Patharsauria dance – Danda Nrutya and the language followed here is also a little modified. The costume design is done based on few tribes. Total presentation is imaginary and drawn from different sources with an underlying love story. The human sacrifice shown is also extinct today.

Group:

Abhinaya Jagruti Institute of Theatre (AJIT) started on January 20, 2001 by theatre artists, mostly the students of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalya with a motto of reaching the mass through their talent and celebrating their Guru, noted theatre and cine celebrity of Orissa Mr. Ajit Das’s birthday in a unique fashion. “AJIT” began its first chapter by staging a Oriya classic Anuprasa and its plays incorporate the essence of the region’s folk culture, and connects with modern sensibilities associated with performance.