Category: Theatre Plays

A review on Pakistani Musical Comic theatre play, ‘Ye Shadi Nahi Ho Sakti’ [This Marriage Cannot Take Place] (2016). Its Asst. Director is Shazia Adnan while its Co-Directed by Tabish & Ahmed Mujtaba.

 

+ Crew

1. Directed by Irfan Sadiq
2. Written (Adapted) by Nawaz

 

 

+ Dancers

• Asiya Anjum
• Mahnoor
• Sadaf
• Sana
• Marium
• Madiha Ismail
• Anusha
• Fajr Sheikh
• Ameena

 

 
+Note

Ye Shadi Nahi Ho Sakti is a slapstick, musical farce play focuses vitally on the love -friendship understanding with your wife. It shows us that how very delicate this relationship is before making a hasty decision on ending it. It has a few songs with dance sequences.

This play is originally written by Thornton Wilder in English by the name as ‘Match Maker’.

 

 

+ Full Cast

1. Faham Usman as Dada
2. Zahra Tuba as Daadi
3. Minhaal Rizvi as Khushi
4. Yousuf Raza as Aashiq
5. Adeel Sohail as Naheed Raza
6. Hira Dar as Mukhtara
7. Rohail Butt as Jahangir
8. Ujala Hussain as Khushboo
9. Waris Ahmed as Ramzan
10. Rimsha Usman Ghani as Allah Rakhi
11. Hoorain Iqbal as Perveen

 
+ Plot

It is about a grandfather ‘Dada’ who is looking for a new young wife in replace of the current one with whom his marriage lasted of 50 years. During his search, the family members are terribly affected by his selfish decision.

 

+ High Points

i – The performance by Faham Usman as Dada was one of the most amazing theatrical performances I ever watched in a play. When he made his appearance, there was an extra round of applause for him. As most of the people knew how well his performance is. I in particular was watching first time and unheard of this actor. He made a clean sweep with his tremendous performance which was uncalled for. The dream sequence where he finds himself with bunch of young girls while standing next to NEW LOVE Mukhtara, was not only splendidly handled, directed & performed but the way the unrealistic things happens in a dream such as an old man who cannot walk properly in real life — needs a walking stick to support him instead here in this dream sequence he is literally jumping in joy and fully energetic as a child. It was stunning to watch.

ii – The direction thoroughly taken care of in almost the entire play. I was spellbound when the director himself told the audience after the play that ‘This is my first comic play that I have directed’. Impressive!

iii – This play was longer than what usually play’s standard time length is. Yet due to various interesting characters, few musical dance sequences, uproarious performances by a number of stars and countless gags … the audience were deeply connected with the play that it would be extremely rare that one would even glance towards his watch to see what time is it.

iv – The script was so entertaining with VAST ABUNDANCE of ironic funny dialogues that even if you missed multiple punch lines, it does not matter. The play is heavily filled with it as ‘Ocean of Jokes’. Nawaz adapted the play, either he or someone further re-wrote the play to make it funnier and interesting which BTW remained true to their word. The script was the strongest reason for this play’s overwhelming success.

v – Before the play actually started, a dance sequence was initiated. The first dance sequence didn’t link with the play … or so it seemed. Then after some passage of time, another dance sequence was inserted. At that time, I was wondering ‘Why are there dance sequences are conducted which are unable to connect itself with the plot? What’s the point of having young girls in it? Should we as an audience look upon them as a sort of “Item Songs”‘? But this misconception was cleared once the third dance sequence came into view with protagonist. These dance sequences were actually ‘Dreams’ that the protagonist was having throughout the play. Bravo! Well thought and choreographed.

vi – Hina Dar (though made a late appearance), looked very beautiful and elegant especially in her dance sequences.

vii – The entire cast was NEW faces for me to watch their performances. As for the artistic dancers, this was their first performance on stage. Very nice!

viii – People, who have missed this play, have missed something really special. At first, I hardly had any expectations from this play as the entire cast was new comers to me. When I saw the director, I realized that he looked awfully familiar. Sir, it was highly entertaining to watch. I would be looking forward to your next upcoming play. Well Done!

 

+ Low Points

i – Most of the performers of the play were focusing on how to ‘Act’ comedy. In many cases, the performances were going ‘Over the Top’. In comedy plays (to make them effective), one should keep it in mind that the performers should NOT “Act” comic rather than go with the flow of your character whereas the audience would laugh accordingly to the hilarious, awkward situation due to your actions and temperament that surrounds the character/(s). The phrase goes as ‘Do not try to make the audience laugh. Let them laugh on their own’. This is known as ‘Intelligent Performance’.

ii – I believe that Zahra Tuba as Daadi should work hard on her voice as the character that she was playing did not sound well on-stage. I am aware that this was her first performance as well but she should give heed in practicing on her voice control. Good acting schools give classes on it. This is a serious advice.

iii – The main plot of the play introduced very late. Before that the audience would be engaged in the comic performances and punch lines but be left thinking that ‘Perhaps the protagonist is either Naheed Raza / Aashiq’?

iv – As a director, if I am giving such utter importance to even a smaller detail then it is wise to focus on the production design as well. Yes, I am referring to the background set design. It looked ‘As If’ the set was designed in a hurry. The set should not only be attractive but suitable accordingly to the main scenes with detailed designs, relevant props belong to that scenario and furniture (with a limit) where the blocking and the movement of the performers are specified easily.

 

+ Overall

Irfan Sadiq showed to the audience that how much creative he really is when it comes to musical comedy plays. The strong performances and sensational script raised Ye Shadi Nahi Ho Sakti to much greater heights of success.

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Horror Black Comedy theatre play, ‘Aaj Ki Taza Khabr Qabar’ [Today’s Latest News Grave] (2016). Its Production House is Green Veins.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Younas Khan
• Written by Nasir Saleem
• Production Head by Nomi Memon
• Art Direction by Salman Siddiqui
• Produced by Syed Maqsood Sabir

 
+ Note

Aaj Ki Taza Khabr Qabar has a couple of songs with dance sequences. This play used a number of times of interactions with the audience by breaking the fourth wall.

The director, Younas Khan is also one of the lead stars of this play. He is a trained actor, writer and director from Arts Council Theatre & Media Academy Karachi-Pakistan. Younas has acted and directed in various music videos and short films. His first commercial success was also his directorial debut Idiots in Love. Other than that, his other works include Jaan ke Laley, Misplaced, Baba Pinky, Inquilaab, Cheekh, Kafeer, Selfie Murder which have won a number of competitions. The Production Manager is Mohammad Aamir Ali while its Asst. Director is Ashir Ahmed Khan.

 

+ Full Cast

1. Younas Khan as Faisal
2. Asad Gojar as Namurad
3. Syed Maqsood Sabir as Kashif
4. Meer Aslam Lashari as Goonga
5. Kekashan Anjum as Ayesha
6. Umesh Ladhani Kumar as Sardaar
7. Afsheen Hayat as Hina
8. Syed Faraz Hussain as Siddiqui
9. Qurat-Ul-Ain Tahir as Laila
10. Abdul Rehman aka Addy Khan as Pasha
11. Aurangzaib Nadeem as Billi
12. Muhammad Ibrahim Shah as Fika
13. Sameer Hashmi as Fakhir
14. Junaid Butt as Terrorist
15. M. Hassam as Chaila
16. Ahsan Khan as Sacrificial Symbol
17. Hamza Zain-Ul-Abdin as Baap / Paper Boy #1
18. Arshmaan Pasta as Gorkan / Paper Boy #2

 

 

+ Plot
It is about four friends (drug addicts) Kashif, Faisal, Billy and Goonga who are being chased by police. They quickly seek haven at a graveyard where to their horror, the dead come to life. As the story proceeds, they get involved in the current issues of terrorism and politics which draws them to an edge where they have to make a choice either choose redemption or the path of damnation for eternity.

 

+ High Points

i – Meer Aslam Lashari as Goonga and Younas Khan as Faisal were breath taking to watch. Their strong performances not only pulled the audience closer towards themselves but to mark the label of great success on the play itself. Although there are several other reasons why this play was a hit but one cannot ignore to mention these two bright actors’ names for their high confidence and dazzling performance. Their presence gave a significance importance even on those scenes where multiple stars were already present and performing making the stage jam packed.

ii – The direction was carefully constructed in every scene. Not only Younas Khan is a great actor but also a very skillful director as well! By having a valuable script, he was able to direct the play as black comedy in a very satisfactory manner.

iii – To its dark humor, it was amusing to watch where most of the audience sidelined the basic serious issues that the play was sugar coating at with its comical dialogues and laughable punch lines.

iv – The script is very interestingly written and lively that it gave way for the performers and for the director to take a strong stand in the hearts of the audience as a memorable comic play.

v – The set design was good and effective in able to match with the script’s scenarios.

vi – Afsheen Hayat performance especially in musical sequences highlighted her character Hina as a very interesting love interest, supporting character. Other Honorable Mentions: Umesh Ladhani, Syed Faraz Hussain and Abdul Rehman (Addy Khan) for their performances.

vii – It was a warm welcome to meet an entire new cast for theatrical performance other than belonging to NAPA or Arts Council.

viii – The performers interaction with the audience especially by Meer Aslam Lashari and Younas Khan were the most entertaining and funny ones to experience with.

ix – I am pleased how this play turned out to be and utilized this opportunity to watch the first performance by the team of Green Veins. The audience had a marvelous time by watching this play. Good Job!

 

+ Low Points

i – Many of the humorous scenes were enjoyable and unforgettable to watch. But these certain scenes did not link with main or the sub plot of the play. They were mostly filling in the gaps for the storytelling.

ii – Some of the characters had little or any role to perform in this play. The importance of their existence and the level of interest of these characters should be improvised in order to make them useful; such as Laila, Billi, Fakhir and Chaila.

iii – The love interest / flirting by Terrorist with Laila was totally unnecessary and irrelevant with the main plot. Though it lasted only for a moment or so…

iv – Although I was sitting in the third row of the auditorium but hardly could hear the voice by Junaid Butt as Terrorist. In theatrical performance, one must be loud enough for the audience to hear them properly. Most of his dialogues came out like a mumble.

+ Overall

The team’s hard work and good humor has certainly made Aaj Ki Taza Khabr Qabar to be a very memorable play.

 

Rate: 3.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Public Message Drama theatre play ‘Dil Ki Awaaz Suno’ (2018). Its Production House is Tehrik-e-Niswan while SIUT foundation participated in distribution of organ donation forms & leaflets.

 

+ Crew

• Lighting, Written & Directed by Anwer Jafri
• Vocal (with Harmonium) by Daniel Wilayat
• Music (with Tabla) by Zulfiqar Ali

 

 

+ Note
Dil Ki Awaaz Suno is a play organized by Pakistan Medical Association (Karachi) at 3^rd Literary Festival [Arts Council; Karachi], which is based on ‘Organs Donation’ as public message. The opening poetry was taken from Nazeer Akerabadi ‘s ‘Banjaranama’. The poem ‘Maen Mar Ke Amar Ho Jaounga’ is part of Sardar Jafri’s poetry.

We have familiar faces on stage including Sheema Kermani, Haris Khan, Imran Khan and Anwer Uddin along with the fame director, Anwer Jafri.

Although it was not mentioned in its poster but the play is partially musical.

 

+ Full Cast:

1. Haris Khan as Dildar
2. Sheema Kermani as Doctor
3. Shazia Adnan as Ammi
4. Imran Khan as Mamu
5. Ayesha Pervaiz as Fiancée
6. Iram Pervaiz as Friend #1
7. Bushra as Friend #2
8. Adnan Haroon as Friend #3
9. Anwar Uddin as Friend #4

 

+ Plot
Dildar is a dear friend to his fellow colleagues. One day he falls ill and announced as brain dead at the hospital. There in such tragic scenario, his family are suggested to donate their son’s organs.

 

+ High Points
i – The public message was conveyed to the audience perfectly. I believe that there would not be any kind of misconceptions or misunderstandings or any type of questions left regarding this subject matter.

ii – The addition of musical performance was a good move, to bring the audience closer to its sensitive topic.

 

+ Low Points
i – Where was the play? It should have been a combined teamwork of two elements here: The Play and the Public message. Both should had worked hand to hand. You gave so much importance in delivering the core message that you clearly forgot what essentials are needed to conduct a play and execute it successfully to the audience. If anyone did remember something there, it would be the public message your team had provided but not the play itself. If this is how ‘Public Message Plays’ started to be presented then I guess, anyone can make a play then.

ii – Almost, no story to watch. Though its acceptable that Anwer sb decided to have this play by ‘Breaking the fourth wall’, or ‘Acknowledgement of having themselves to be a part of a play’. Yet still a proper good story was required with the lead characters to have brief backstory (at least) was very much needed.

iii – There was no production design. No really, there was absolutely nothing there except for black wall. No props, just complete emptiness.

iv – As for the lighting is concerned, when Dildar started to speak while facing the audience, although the spot light was fixed on him but the entire stage should have been in ‘Complete Darkness’ or ‘Very Dimly Lit’. This way, the only focus would be on him and no one else. But that was not the case here. Only thing they did correctly was having the other characters being freeze with their actions as Dildar spoke.
v – No heed was given to costume designing as well, except for the lead stars.

vi – During the musical performance, we had Shazia Adnan on the left side (just next to), Sheema Kermani (in the lead) as they faced the audience. But then in the next two other group musical performance, we had Imran Khan in Shazia’s position without any reason given why? I can understand that the audience don’t care to see such details or really care. But for a team of professional performers, these things do count and are observed closely.

 

+ Overall
Dil Ki Awaaz Suno is one of those plays where the public message behind it turns out to be much more interesting than the play itself.

 
Rate: 1.50 out of 5

 

A review on Pakistani Mystery Comedy theatre play ‘Jasoosi Dunya’ (2018). The assistant director is Shahjahan Narejo while its stage manager is Fraz Chottani.

 

+ Crew

1. Written (Adaptation) & Directed by Khalid Ahmed
2. Lighting by Uzma Sabeen and Masood-ur-Rehman
3. Costumes Design by Pervaiz Iqbal and Mahrukh
4. Set Design by Jameel Afridi
5. Makeup & Hair Styling by Farzana Naz

 

+ Note
Jasoosi Dunya is an adaptation of The Psychic (2010) by Sam Bobrick, an Edgar Award winning play in 2011. The play is a hilarious murder mystery which follows the chaotic life of Adam Webster: a down-on-his-luck writer who is making ends meet through psychic readings.

Ammad Rehman and Afsheen Hayat are behind the play’s music whereas Ashraf Bhatti is responsible for its sound effects. This review may contain SPOILERS!

+ Full Cast

• Hassan Raza as Adam Webster
• Saman Ansari as Salma Anwer
• Nazar ul Hasan as Johnny Jaanbaaz
• Bazelah Mustafa as Sabeena / Saibi
• Farhan Alam as Anwer Sulemaan
• Samhan Ghazi as Col. Zahid Kamal Afandi

 

+ Plot
It revolves around a mystery writer, Adam Webster who needs money to cover his bills. One day he is visited by a young beautiful lady, Salma Anwer to his home for psychic readings.

 

+ High Points
i – Exceptional writing and adaptation by Khalid sb. The script is very cleverly written as there were times where poor choice of words spoken by the stars or sometimes the dialogues were repeated. I remember saying to myself at first, ‘What happened to Khalid Sb’s writing? Is this the best he could come up with’? But then I saw what was actually happening in the play as there were few small hints given away in the first half. My confusion had turned into a very delightful surprise. Good stuff!

ii – Remarkable performance by the multi-talented star, Bazelah Mustafa as Sabeena / Saibi. She showed everyone that how ‘Easy’ it is to perform Live on-stage and bought new life to the play. Her perfect timing for comical punchlines, flirtish behavior and hilarious reactions had instantly made the audience fall in love with her character.

iii – NAPA’s veteran actor, Nazar ul Hasan as Johnny Jaanbaaz has once again acted very brilliantly. If you give him sober or a comic relief character to play, Nazar would make sure that the audience leave the hall with great pleasure. Other Honorable Mentions: Farhan Alam and Samhan Ghazi.

iv – Superb production design, high quality set was constructed to give a much closer mood for realism.

v – The two comic relief characters Johnny Jaanbaaz and Sabeena / Saibi were the most interesting and enjoyable to watch.

vi – Once again, good direction by respected Khalid Ahmed. His vast experience as an actor and writer, has always given an edge for the performers to be part of his directorial plays. Even for myself, it’s highly unlikely that I would ever miss his theatre work.

vii – Effective work behind its design and handling of lighting by Uzma and Masood.

viii – In costume designing, the characters fitted well with the wardrobe given to them.

ix – Saman Ansari as Salma looked very elegant and glamorous; all thanks to makeup & hair styling.  

 

+ Low Points
i – Hassan Raza as Adam Webster performance was … average at best in front of his fellow stars and weak as the lead star. Although, I am pleased that NAPA is giving chance to other cast members as well to perform in lead roles. Yet still, we cannot ignore the fact that the lead star should have at least given ONE of the strongest performances, If not THE strongest performance than the rest of the cast.

ii – It’s highly unlikely that most people had predicted the twist before it was suggested by one of the characters. Though, I saw it long before it reached the interval. There are many reasons attached to it. First of all, I, myself have already watched many, many suspense, thriller films and TV series with bizarre twists and endings. Secondly, there were several hints given during the play (which is a good move btw). For example, the exact same murder location where the crime had taken place, the clothes of other characters remained the same and a rich beautiful lady having devoted love for him. But the biggest hint of them all was when Adam had everything written down in this book before he forgets. His desperation to write it quickly and being delighted to come up with such great ideas was the moment when the play gave away their twist.

iii – I felt that the play was longer than required and its time length should be reduced by 15 – 20 minutes.

iv – Speaking of costume designing as above, there was however only one small issue, ‘Anwer’s shoes’. They were totally mismatched with the color of suit he was wearing. My eyes (unintentionally) kept looking at his shoes than to enjoy his performance.

 

+ Overall
Khalid Ahmed’s adaptation as Jasoosi Dunya is yet another addition as souvenir in the world of theatre.

 

Rate: 4.0 out of 5