Jharsuguda: A theatre group, Mirror theatre of Jharsuguda district, has been selected to participate in the 8th theatre Olympic which is going to be organized for the first time in India. “Mirror Theatre” is the only theatre group in the state, which has been selected to participate in the prestigious event.
The event is being organised by National School of Drama. It will begin on 17th February and conclude on April 8th, 2018. During this period the art group, which had been selected, will stage play in various cities of the country, including Bhubaneswar.
Around, 37 theatre groups of Odisha had applied to take part in this theatre Olympics. However, ” Laal Paen” is the only play from the Mirror Theatre which has been selected.
“Laal Paen” which has been directed by writer Subhash Pradhan of Belpahar. This play is in pure Kosli/Sambalpuri language. It narrates about the struggle of people who were displaced and lost their land during the construction of the famous Hirakud Dam.
“The play “Laal Paen” which has already been staged for around 118 times at various theatre events in India. It was first staged in the year 2010 at Rangbhoomi Nataka Mahotsav, Bhubaneswar.
“Laal Paen” which means “Red Water” play got birth when I heard that Hirakud’s water is Red, from an old lady in Jharsuguda. Hearing this, I became very curious to know why that old lady has referred Hirakud’s water as red. When I found that she was referring to the struggle faced by the families who were displaced during the construction of Hirakud Dam. I then visited several families who were residing at our District to know the problems after the displacement and after two years of this all, finally, this transformed into a drama play “Laal Paen”, which is now among the only play of Odisha nominated for this Olympics. I feel proud for this.” said Subhash Pradhan, founding director of Mirror Theatre.
