A review on Pakistani Comedy (satire) theatre play, Jaloos (2017). It was performed at NAPA’s International Theatre Festival 2017.
+ Crew
- Directed, written (Adapted) & set design by Hassan Raza
+ Note
Jaloos deals with the problems in society which we are facing with but do not want to or cannot change.
This play is inspired by Badal Sarkar’s short story.
+ Full Cast
- Vajdaan Shah as Security Officer
- Hammad Siddiq as Munna (Former)
- Moiz Qadeer as Munna
- Kamal Hussain as Peer Sahib
- Haris Khan as Chorus #1
- Syed Jameel as Chorus #2
- Umair Rafiq as Chorus #3
- Hassan Khan as Chorus #4
- Shahjahan Narejo as Chorus #5
- Ghulam Murtaza as Chorus #6
- Aisha Iqbal as Chorus #7
- Sana Hussain as Chorus #8
+ Plot
It represents those people in society who are downtrodden, suffering, who do not get justice and are ignored by society.
+ High Points
i – Haris Khan plays comic roles in best way possible. He is a great performer with highly skilled acting chops. His handshake with Peer Sahib was one of the most iconic scenes of this play.
ii – Vajdaan Shah performance as Security Officer is strictly performed in realistic manner. Other Honorable Mentions: Kamal Hussain, Syed Jameel, Hassan Khan and Umair Rafiq.
iii – Hassan Raza did a fantastic job in directing this delicate play. One needs a lot of guts to pull this off in such enjoyable comic manner without taking it seriously* (in terms of getting highly offended by it).
iv – The satire humor was touched on hyper sensitive multiple issues which are too taboo to be discussed among close friends even, were very bravely performed.
v – The set design was brightly color-filled constructed.
vi – The live song was sung elegantly.
vii – The screenplay was engaging while the Peer Sahib character was the most appealing.
+ Low Points
i – This play is strictly for a selected audience only. The possibility is likely high for receiving extremely negative reactions, if it is shown to the mass audience.
ii – Both Munna scenes were slow and dragged. Munna character reminded me of ‘Kenny’ from South Park cartoon series.
+ Overall
Jaloos is a play with funny humor which was bravely performed and touched on many sensitive issues in satire mayhem.
Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Mr. Khan's Reviews 