A Jatra performance in Athagarh, Cuttack, was disrupted on Sunday after some spectators reportedly hurled chairs and water bottles towards the stage during a performance based on the life of Jatra artiste Nisha Maharana.
The incident occurred while Tarini Gananatya was staging its play Nisha Nisha Rati. According to reports, a section of the audience became agitated during a rape scene depicted in the play.
The disruption reportedly brought the performance to a halt and sparked discussions over the depiction of sensitive subjects in Jatra performances.
Audience reacts to sensitive scene
The play is based on Nisha Maharana’s journey from an item performer to a Jatra producer and actress.
However, a particular scene reportedly did not go down well with some spectators. Chairs and water bottles were allegedly thrown towards the stage as the scene unfolded.
It remains unclear whether the audience’s reaction was specifically directed at Nisha Maharana or was a response to the portrayal of the sensitive scene and the actors’ performance.
Nisha Maharana’s first show of the season
The performance marked Nisha Maharana’s first appearance of the current Jatra season in her roles as both actress and producer.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by Jatra productions when presenting controversial or sensitive themes before live audiences.
While the exact reason behind the audience’s reaction has not been conclusively established, the disruption has triggered debate over artistic expression, audience expectations and the portrayal of sensitive subjects on the Jatra stage.
