A review on Pakistani drama theatre play, Ikhtiar (2017). It was performed at NAPA’s International Theatre Festival 2017.
+ Crew
- Directed by Zain Ahmed
- Written by Syed Meesam Naqvi
+ Note
Ikhtiar is based on a true story. It is about a Shia couple against the backdrop of sectarian violence.
This play explores gender relations within the context of Karachi violence that has targeted many Muslim sect communities.
+ Full Cast
- Hajira Yamin as Tara
- Kashif Hussain as Meesam
- Hani Taha as Baji
- Saad Zameer Fareedi as Shia Molvi
xxxxxxxxxxxx
+ Performers & Singers
- Zain Nazar
- Aisha Iqbal
- Abdul Rehman
- Syeda Maha Ali
- Irma Ali
- Damyanti Gosai
- Faraz Ali
- Muneeb Baig
- Mujtaba Rizvi
- Ubaid Iqbal
- Muhammad Zaman
+ Plot
After losing their infant due to miscarriage, there has been an uncomfortable atmosphere that is grown between the couple especially regarding to have a child. The husband fears for the survival of his community as many are killed on hate crimes. His desire for a child is concern and much needed for happiness in his married life.
However, his wife thinks otherwise.
+ High Points
i – Hajra Yamin as the fragile wife performed the protagonist role marvelously. Her role was the most difficult one to perform yet she did it better than the audience expectations.
ii – Hani Taha played her role very natural. Her performance was so realistic that it showed as if she was interacting with someone close to her rather than playing her part. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.
iii – As for writing — Meesam, you made us all cry… is this how a play is written? After the play ended with huge round of applause, every guy was waiting in queue to congratulate Meesam by hugging him in similar manner as we do to a bridegroom. It was beautifully written with very emotional, heartening theme which ran throughout the play.
I remember, that there were two women who were sited next to me and kept crying throughout the play. Every few minutes, a new tissue wrapper was opened due to consistent tears running down their cheeks.
iv – Respected Zain Ahmed struck a gold in his direction. In his plays, we are able to witness high praise worthy performances and spend a wonderful time.
v – An effective sad song was sung by Zain Nazar. He has a very good voice.
vi – It takes a daring step to present these sensitive issues regarding sectarianism and religious intolerance, arranged marriages, dominating gender roles, and the rights of women especially of giving birth in Pakistan. These major issues have taken over the new generations as well.
+ Low Points
i – Basic story line / theme with hardly any set design.
+ Overall
Ikhtiar tells a personal story that never loses its touch with the vast Muslim Sect community which spaces in surrounding and defining it. It is truly an epic that breathes. And it’s a beauty.
Rate: 5 out of 5 stars
Mr. Khan's Reviews 