Odia Play ‘Septemberara 30 Dina’ Shines Light on Child Sexual Abuse

Bhubaneswar: The powerful Odia play ‘Septemberara 30 Dina,’ which addresses the grave issue of child sexual abuse, captivated audiences and urged them to break the silence surrounding this critical social problem. Produced by the Institute of Knowledge Societies, the play’s inaugural performance took place at Bhanja Kala Mandap on Friday evening, with a second show scheduled for Saturday, July 6, at 7 PM.

Adapted from Mahesh Dattani’s original English work ’30 Days in September,’ the play is translated into Odia and directed by the National School of Drama alumnus Satyabrata Rout. This production marks the first time the play has been staged in Odisha, bringing to life the harrowing story of a minor girl enduring sexual abuse from a family member.

The event was graced by notable figures, including Mandakinee Kar, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), and Dr. Rosalin Patasani Mishra, a social entrepreneur. Both were felicitated at the event and commended the organizers for tackling such a vital subject. They emphasized the importance of spreading the message of ’30 Days in September’ to every household and community.

The play, hailed as one of the bravest contemporary Indian works, confronts the brutal reality of child sexual abuse. The narrative follows Mala, who, as a child, was abused by her uncle—a truth her mother seemingly ignored. The fragile bonds within the family are shattered as the traumatic past resurfaces, challenging both mother and daughter to face the pain together.

Sanjogita Mishra, co-producer and actor in the play, commented, “Drawing from real-life experiences, the play provides a raw and unflinching look at the emotional, psychological, and physical impact of abuse on children and their families. The narrative powerfully illustrates a mother’s responsibility towards a child, and we hope it will resonate with our audience.”

Director Dr. Satyabrata Rout added, “’30 Days in September’ is more than just a play; it is a call to action. By bringing these stories to the stage, we hope to break the silence that often surrounds child sexual abuse and create a space for healing and change.”

OdishaLIVE served as the communication partner for this production, which attracted theatre enthusiasts, actors, and prominent figures from the Odia socio-cultural scene. Prof. Chandrabhanu Pattanayak, co-producer on behalf of the Institute of Knowledge Societies, expressed gratitude to the audience for their support and engagement with such a serious social issue. The organizers also thanked everyone who purchased tickets and attended the show with family and friends, contributing to the overwhelming response.

‘Septemberara 30 Dina’ not only offers a poignant theatrical experience but also sparks vital conversations and actions against child sexual abuse, highlighting the role of art in driving social change.