A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, No Exit (2016), was performed at NAPA.
+ Crew
- Written (Adapted) & Directed by Shumaila Taj
+ Note
It is originally a French play, written by Jean-Paul Sartre in 1944. The name No Exit refers to a private discussion behind closed doors.
+ Full Cast
- Saad Zameer Fareedi as Joseph / Vincent Garcin
- Irma Ali as Inès Serrano
- Damyanti Gosai as ‘Estelle Rigault
- Mahjabeen Rahman as ‘Valet’
+ Plot
It centers on three characters who are escorted to a mysterious room by a ‘Valet’. However, very soon it is revealed that it is a representation of the afterlife in which these three deceased characters are punished by being locked into a room together for infinity time period.
+ High Points
i – We have Saad Fareedi on board. Not only, he is the only star cast actor of this play but also performed above average at least.
ii – Some of the punch lines were amusing.
+ Low Points
i – Let’s just say, that the play was so bad that I kept staring at the set’s blank wall to kill the time. It was literally my savior.
ii – Pathetic quality of work in its production design.
iii – I always find it strange to see foreign names in your local community of actors. Even if they are playing as the characters based on a novel / play, it is preferable to have local names for these same characters, to make your play much more believable. Such as Bollywood films that adapted their stories and characters from foreign novels / plays are Maqbool (2003) and Omkara (2006) are adapted from Macbeth (1623) and Othello (1603).
iv – The makeup & hair styling really needs to improve. The mustache on the character of valet clearly looked fake.
v – It is advised to skip unnecessary vocal songs which barely related with this play and are annoying to listen to.
vi – A terrible performance from the lot, (except from Saad) I would say.
vii – To tolerate such a play by the audience, one needs a great courage and patience.
+ Overall
The name of the play gives a strong hint. Once you are in the auditorium, you can’t get out till it is over. As there will be No Exit!
Rate: 0.50 out of 5 stars
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