A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, Insaf Ka Daira (2017) aka Circle of Justice. It was performed at NAPA’s International Theatre Festival 2017.
+ Crew
- Directed by Meesam Naqvi
- Written by Bertolt Brecht
+ Note
Insaf Ka Daira is an adapted play, originally written by German modernist playwright Bertolt Brecht as, Caucasian Chalk Circle in 1944.
+ Full Cast
- Faraz Ali as High-Ranking Officer / Drunken Pastor / Corrupt Judge
- Irma Ali as Peasant Girl
- Muneeb Baig as Brave Soldier
- Najma Kifayat as Wealthy Mother
- Imran / Ome Fatani as Adviser #1 / Abusive Husband*
- Arthor John as Adviser #2 / Brother of Peasant Girl
- Godina Fernandes as Maid / Old Mother-in-Law
- Damyanti as Sister-in Law / Lawyer #1
- Mujtaba Rizvi as Guitarist / Lawyer #2
+ Plot
A peasant girl who rescues a baby, becomes a better mother than its wealthy natural parents.
+ High Points
i – Faraz Ali in three different roles that is as High-Ranking Officer / Drunken Pastor / Corrupt Judge acted superbly. The Drunken Pastor role was best that he performed from the lot. His performance was so well that it seemed as though the writer wrote these characters for him to play only.
ii – Good effort by Irma Ali who gave in for her character and to do bold scenes. Audience have definitely appreciated her hard work. Other Honorable Mentions: Author John.
iii – The play’s dark humor did a significant job in its storytelling.
iv – The musical chores played by S Mujtaba Rizvi was good.
+ Low Points
i – Audience were enjoying Faraz Ali’s physical appearance more than the plays’ humorous punch lines.
ii – These days everyone is breaking the fourth wall, in able to either interact with audience or accept that they are part of fictional world. This move isn’t uncommon or as such funny anymore. Still, if the director feels that he should insert it in his play… perhaps doing it once would be enough or better find a creative way of doing it.
iii – I believe that the shock elements could have toned down a bit which would not had made the audience uncomfortable to watch. I understand that it was the intention of both, the director and writer. Although, it was not explicitly shown however, its direct indication would have done its job.
iv – Since most cast members’ act were satisfactory and the direction was okay, therefore I find the play mild to watch.
+ Overall
Insaf Ka Daira offers a few moments of loud fun for genre fans, but lacks enough subordinate intellect to consistently connect once the performances kicks in.
Rate: 2.75 out of 5 stars
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