Kosli drama are a typical drama performance in the western Orissa of India.
The "naach gaana" in the streets of villages of the western Orissa regions are traditionally based on the plots of Ramayana, Mahabharata and other religion epics. During the early days Ram-Parshuram bhet was recognized as a form of street play. Currently "Ramlila" is performed in several villages. Majority of the dramas are performed in open air auditoriums where people stand surrounding the stage to observe. The great visionary Pundit Prayag Dutt Joshi wrote one drama Kapat Biha in 1936 and it was staged in Raj Khariar in that year.
Theatre and Organizations
Kosali drama are organized at different parts of Western Orissa to revive the Kosali drama theater tradition. Generally, artists from different parts of Western Orissa and other parts of the country are invited for this festival.
Kosli Naatbadi a state level drama festival is also organized at Sadeipali, Balangir during the month of January. Various cultural organization of Kosal region participates in the week-long Kosli drama festival.
Matkhai Mahotsav, a multilingual theatre festival is also organized in Balangir town. This festival brings artists and cultural troupes from all part of India together. Various local cultural troupes also perform folk musics viz. Ghubukudu and Kendra.
Yuba Udayan started in 1997 to bring all the theatre activists otogether.
Veer Surendra Sai All Orissa Sambalpuri Drama Competition was born for the revival of Kosali drama activities. In the inaugural year only 19 plays were presented and the next fourteen years witnessed 346 plays being staged. Kosali theatre has engaged scripts, directors and artists to work for performing these dramas.
Belpahar Uchhab "Machan" 18 to 22 Dec every year
Belpahar Uchhab Machan National Theatre festival. The festival started in 2004.
Kranti Balangir. A 30 year old drama organization started by Abdul Jamal khan. Kranti Balangir staged around 100 of plays all over India. Kranti Balangir awarded as best jury award in HINDALCO, Hirakud in all India drama competition. March 30 - March 31 Ktranti staged three in kalamandap, Balangir. One of the most popular plays by Kranti is Bigul (the beginning) by Akram Durrani. A young director from Western Orissa.
Kuili Kuili Kia Raja
Maet Maa (mother earth)
Dwithiya Gandhi
Bhat Muthe
Lal Paen (The Red Water)
Pachen
Dhankhed
File
Tangar
Aljhat
E Phul
Pari
Ram Naam Sat Rahe
Aahinsaka
Bhok
Tanko
Guhu
Kurey Phular Katha
Ubelia Utpat
Siluan
Angen
Mousumi (A Symbolic Pay on Monsoon wind)
Tumar aamar Katha
Surusthi
Aintha
Ujaar
Gadhar Katha
Kua ra Gharen Kuili Raja
Luhur Rang
Vikash (The Development)
Tokemara
Khaman Rani
Lahanger
Tokemara
Tirkut
Bhanga Kachen Chaka Jan
Bigul By KRANTI (Balangir)
Badkha Dada by Mirror Theatre, Belpahar
April-27 (A Koshli Solo Play) By Mirror Theatre, Belpahar
