NSD bans Polish play in India, Odisha Natak Academy apologizes for ‘nude scene’

BHUBANESWAR: After wide spread protest over showing nude scenes in a play enacted by a troupe from Poland at Rabindra Mandap here on Friday, the National School of Drama (NSD) has banned the enactment of the controversial play across the country while Odisha Natak Academy on Saturday apologised for the enactment of such a play.

The woman wing, Nari Sachetan Mancha, locked the main gate of Rabindra Mandap and tore posters of the drama festival on Saturday.

Odisha Natak Academy has apologised for the enactment of such a play.

“The NSD has put a ban on the enactment of the play across the country. The premier drama institute took the decision following sharp criticism in Odisha” Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy secretary Dhirendranath Mallick said.

“If the play hurts the cultural sentiments of the art lovers, we apologise on behalf of NSD”, he added.

Odisha Natya Sangha also disapproved of the scenes in the play.

Natya Sangha secretary Abhhinna Routray said such plays should not be enacted on stage in Odisha as this is against our culture.

The Poland-based theatre group Alexander Jiereko enacted a play ‘Sonaka’ at Rabindra Mandap here on Friday evening. However, drama lovers, who were witnessing the play, found themselves in an awkward situation as a lady actress took off her dress till her waist to portray the character she was playing.

The contentious drama was showcased as part of the ongoing national theatre festival organised by NSD in collaboration with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademy and state culture department.

Odisha Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda said a notice would be served to the NSD to furnish a report over the enactment of “nude scenes” by a Poland-based troupe here.