Odisha to seek report on nudity in Polish drama in capital

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 13:

Odisha government will seek a report from National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi after allegations of obscenity and nudity in a drama portrayed in the closing ceremony of 18th Bharat Rang Mohatsav in Rabindra Mandap here yesterday.

Tourism and Culture Minster Ashok Chandra Panda has said that a notice will be sent to NSD, which had selected the Poland drama for the NSD Satellite Drama Festival.

“Odisha culture doesn’t promote obscenity. The scene could have been shown in a symbolic way.  We would write to the authorities of National School of Drama for a report on the matter,” said Panda.

The play ‘Sonaka’ from Poland presented by foreigners during the closing ceremony of the festival created an awkward situation with female actors exposing their bodies.

Some of the embarrassed viewers walked out of the hall mid-way. There were also some protests after the drama was over.

Activists of Nari Sachetan Mancha today staged a road blockade near Rabindra Mandap in protest against the portrayal of the Polish drama last evening. The activists locked the main gate and also tore posters displayed near the auditorium.

The artists of Poland-based theatre group Alexander Jiereko had showcased a play in Rabindra Mandap here yesterday as part of the ongoing International Theatre festival.