‘Institute of Knowledge Societies’ to stage the Odia play at 7 PM on 5th & 6th July at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar
Prachi Tanaya Behera
In today’s world, many young children, especially girls, are not safe even within their own families. Sometimes, they are being sexually abused by their own relatives. Even though such incidents are common, the perpetrators often do not face any legal consequences as the voice of the victims are silenced.
Based on such a story, a special theatre production will be staged on July 5th and 6th at Bhanja Kala Mandap in Bhubaneswar. ‘Thirty Days of September’, the story of the play revolves around the horrifying pain and struggles of an innocent minor girl trapped by a sexual aggressor.
The play in Odia language, produced under the banner of ‘Institute of Knowledge Societies’, is a translation of the original play by renowned playwright Mahesh Dattani. The Odia play adapted and directed by Dr. Satyabrata Raut.
The producer of the play, Sanjogita Mishra says, “We are organizing this theater to raise awareness in society about serious issues like child sexual abuse. Thus, our aim is to encourage people to bring such matters out in the open. The play beautifully portrays a mother’s sense of responsibility towards her daughter. I hope, many people will come and watch this play.”
After working in the corporate sector for a long time, Sanjogita has come forward to produce such a play for larger social awareness. She is also acting in this play herself.
“We need your support to co-produce this play. We need to cover expenses for the auditorium, lighting, sound, set design, rehearsals, posters, tickets, and more. We are running short of funds and your contribution will be of immense help,” appeals Sanjogita Mishra. While running a crowd funding campaign to raise funds for the production, she invites theatre lovers to contribute online.
You can contribute any amount on the crowd funding platform (https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-theatre-play-awareness-against-child-abuse?utm_medium=whatsapp_status_message&utm_source=app) or pay using the QR code given here.
Mahesh Dattani is a multi- faceted theatre director, actor and playwright. Some of his other popular plays include ‘Final Solutions,’ ‘Dance Like a Man,’ ‘Bravely Fought the Queen,’ ‘On a Muggy Night in Mumbai,’ ‘Tara,’ ‘30 Days in September 2007,’ and ‘The Big Fat City.’
Mahesh Dattani is the first English playwright to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award. Many popular directors like Arvind Gaur, Alyque Padamsee, and Lillete Dubey have also directed his plays.
Professor Dr. Satyabrata Raut, who hails from Odisha, is a well-known figure in the world of theatre. He graduated in ‘Visual Theatre’ and ‘Indian Scenography’ from the National School of Drama in New Delhi. He specialized in ‘Design and Direction.’
Subsequently, Dr. Raut completed advanced courses in Scenography from various theatre academies around the world. For his significant contributions, Dr. Satyabrata has received many national and international awards and honors.
OdishaLIVE is the ‘Communication Partner’ for the theatre production of ‘Thirty Days of September’.
