Category: Theatre Plays

A review on Pakistani Drama Comic theatre play, Horan Deke Paas Karo (2016). It was performed at NAPA.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Ir Omar
• Written by Neil Simon

 

 

 

+ Note

Horan Deke Paas Karo is an earlier work of theatre actor, Ir Omar.

 

 

 

+ Full Cast

1. Ahmer Hussain as Ali
2. Haris Khan as Tipu
3. Najma Kifayat as Soni
4. Irma Ali as Rani
5. Owais Mubbashir as Abba
6. Naz as Amma

 

 

 
+ Plot

Tipu, a young lad who is fed up living with his parents. His father wants him to look after the plastic factory as his successor. But Tipu wants to fulfill his dreams, be with beautiful girls just like the macho man / his older brother Ali. But Ali is himself having problems with his girlfriend Rani who wants to settle down with him but he is not taking marriage into consideration.

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – The performances by everyone except Irma’s were greatly executed. Haris Khan was easily being judged as the best performer for this play. He showed everyone that he has the chops to do a brilliant performance. Haris Khan, you proved me right in front of my friends.

ii – As for Ahmer Hussain, it seems that he was born to do comical roles. Such a confidence level by this actor when he is performing; there is saying for him ‘Acting to os k nus, nus meh behri hai’ (Acting is filled deep into his veins). He is the ‘Akshay Kumar of the Stage’.

iii – The characters of Najma Kifayat and Owais Mubbashir were not as interesting as their performances. Both of them performed very well and due to their performance, the audience attention was magically fixed on them. Even as the play had ended and curtains were closing in, Owais refused to come out from his character.

iv – Naz is a wonderful actress and I must say she is gem of the new comers. It’s really hard to ignore those plays when she is performing in them. Although all the plays that I have attended of hers, she has played an older aged character. I personally refuse to believe that she is unable to play younger roles. I would prefer if in next upcoming plays she takes a role which is not only challenging for her but of a younger age character. I as well as the audience would be very interested to see her in a new kind of role.

v – The director did a good job in directing this play. With restricted comical moments, he still able to bring smiles and laughter on audience faces.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – This play had light touch of humor. The comical performances especially by Haris Khan took this play towards the success otherwise there were hilarious moments in some parts of the play.

ii – It is a mystery for me whether Irma Ali is unlucky for getting dull roles or that she is an under performed actress.

iii – The character written of Owais Mubbashir could have improved; written it as interesting as Amma character played by Zarqa Naz. His character was too serious for a play like this.

iv – The set design was mild yet could be improvised as it did not look like a house of a bachelor and playboy type personality.

v – The transformation of Haris Khan did not create the level of interest as everyone was waiting for and was for short time only.

 

 
+ Overall

Horan Deke Paas Karo created such hype but did not meet its high expectations. Although, it is a good play but felt short of humor. Most of the characters were not as interesting as it promised it to be. The writing definitely needs improvisation while the performances by many were almost perfect.

 

 

Rate: 3.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Shakespeare’s Adapted Pakistani Drama theatre play, Hamlet (2016). It was performed at NAPA.

 

+ Crew

• Director is Zakiullah Khan

Music Team

• Hamza Ali
• Faryaal Khan
• Ahsan Iqbal Khan
• Yastoor Khan Ghouri
• Elma Rauf
• Nadeem Khokhar

 

 

 

+ Note

Hamlet is arguably Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. It is a tale of indecision, revenge, retribution, deception, ambition, loyalty and fate.

The director, Zakiullah Khan is one of the founders and CEO of ZAHRSSS Productions. He has been associated with and has performed in many Theatre festivals and Youth conferences. Zaki has performed in various plays like Baba Jaalinoos and Guria Ka Ghar.

 

 

 

+ Full Cast

1) Saad Zameer Fareedi as Hamlet

2) Syed Meesam Naqvi as Claudius / Ghost of the King

3) Marya Saad Fareedi as Getrude

4) Tehrim Shafiq as Ophelia

5) Kamal Hussain as Polonius

6) Nadir Hussain as Laertes

7) Arshad Malik as Rosencrantz / Grave Digger #1

8) Younus Khan as Guildenstern

9) Zakiullah Khan as Baptista / Player #1

10) Adnan Anis as Gonzago / Oscric / Grave Digger #2 / Player #2

11) Taha Khan as Lucianus / Player #3 /Priest

12) Cornelius Andrew as Horatio

 

 

 

+ Plot

Prince Hamlet mourns his father’s death and his mother, Queen Gertrude’s remarriage to her late husband’s brother, Claudius. The ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to him and tells him that Claudius has poisoned him. Hamlet swears revenge but cannot find himself to be up to it.

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Syed Meesam Naqvi is a wonderful actor and never once he has ever disappointed the audience when he is on stage and performing. His roles as Claudius / Ghost of the King were admirably executed. This is the reason why the young theatre actors look up to him for advises.

ii – Zakiullah Khan as Baptista / Player #1 played his roles fabulously. When he did a cross-dressing scene, I kept looking & laughing at his facial expressions saying ‘What the hell is this guy’s doing’? Even after learning the king’s death, his (intentional) exaggerated gestures was very funny and enjoyable. Other Honorable Mentions: Younas Khan and Tehrim Shafiq.

iii – Saad Zameer Fareedi, has always been one of the favorite actors of the audience. He is usually chosen at NAPA plays for the lead roles due to his confident and worthy acting craftsmanship. In this play too, he was selected in the lead role as Hamlet and performed thriving on stage.

iv – The grave yard scene performed by Arshad Malik and Adnan Anis (as the grave diggers) was pleasant to watch.

v – The duel of swords fighting between Hamlet and Laertes was carefully constructed. Good work!

vi – The costumes of the characters were well suited accordingly to the play’s setting.

vii – Most of the credit of the play’s success would be given to Zakiullah for directing such a wonderful play in a very ideal manner. Thumbs up!

viii – Though the stage broke down from the center (after the graveyard scene) but the show kept going as it was handled by the actors who were already cautious of it. Great team work!

ix – The professional music team gave a big plus point to enjoy the play including sang some vocal songs in between.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Some of the names (of supporting roles) were hard to remember them.

ii – The set design to be honest was mild and manageable.

 

 

 

 

+ Overall

Hamlet is a majestic achievement!

 

 

 

Rate: 4.50 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Radio-Drama theatre play, Khuwabon k Musafir AKA On A Dream Journey (2016). It was performed by NAPA.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Zia Mohiyuddin
• Written by Intizar Hussain

 

 
+ Note

Khuwabon Ke Musafir was written almost 50 years ago. It focuses on the behavior of the human condition. Not only does the play concerns on the social issues that the subcontinent’s Muslim families are involved in, but how people tend to bring the difference the changes that the migration has in a society.

 

 

 

+ Full Cast

1. Saad Zameer Fareedi as Miyan Jaan
2. Marya Saad as Kishwer
3. Adnan Anis as Iffo
4. Akber Ladhani as Bando
5. Naz as Bari Bua
6. Zakiullah Khan as Master Sahib
7. Shumaila Taj as Buji
8. Taha Khan as Shahid

 

 
+ Plot

An old married couple, Miyan Jaan and Buji who have a daughter named Kishwer. Buji often worries about getting Kishwer marriage. On the other hand, Miyan Jaan’s widowed sister Bari Bua’s son, Shahid’s education expenses are taken care by Miyan Jaan. Buji believes that Shahid would be the most suitable son-in-law.

However, Kishwer is interested in Iffo (one of Miyan Jaan’s nephews) who lives with them. Iffo also likes her but is an unemployed, easy going and a day dreamer.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – The name of legendary Zia Mohiyuddin in the play’s direction was enough to invite fame celebrities, popular publishing houses and media channels to cover this event.

ii – The performance by Marya Saad was the most decent of them all. After a long time, I was able to attend her play where she did not disappoint. Other stars were fair in their acting.

iii – As the play progressed, there were several punch lines where the audience enjoyed.

iv – The set design looked spectacular. Surprising, really!

v – This play is for hardcore theatre fans only.

vi – This time Shumaila Taj performance was (to be very frank) okay. But there was improvement since her last performance. But she has way long road to go in the ranks of successful actors.

v – Good to see new face (Taha Khan) performance.

vi – I liked Naz’s effort in playing the role as Bari Bua. Although cannot pin point and say it’s exactly good but definitely worth of shot to watch her performance. She would be most likely the runner up just after Marya’s performance.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – The quality of the play tells us that respected Zia Mohiyuddin gave all his attention on the voice delivery of the actors rather than focusing on their physical performance, their movement of body gesture and what was the limit of their blocking. If we look at a still picture, there you would see that there is no movement of the characters.

Similarly, here was the same case. The actors were more concerned on their voice performance and totally forgot where their body movement should be in.

ii – As the director himself did not even bothered to make an appearance for his play. Similarly, the direction itself happened to be missing in the play as well. Zia Mohiyuddin must have said ‘Direction ki kya zaroorat hai? Mera naam hi kaafi hai’ (There is no need of direction, my name is enough).

Since this was not just a radio play, therefore direction had to be taken care of. Just because one has a big name, does not give that person the right to excuse himself from their responsibility. But thankfully, that this play was on free entry.

iii – As the play started, about half an hour later I was still unsure and decided to ask a fellow colleague / theatre play fan (who happens to be sitting beside me) that ‘What’s happening in the play? What is the plot?’ The reply I got was ‘I am also trying it figure out’.

It means that ‘If’ you already read the story or have watched this play which happened back in the year 2010 and again earlier this year then only you can follow this play from the start. Otherwise, you have to give much proper time before you can make out to what is its synopsis.

iv – Even after watching the entire play, it is hard to say who exactly was the main protagonist? The father or the daughter or her lover?

v – Saad Fareedi is an actor, where one expects him to perform brilliantly on stage. This person does not need to be told what to do or how he could make his performance interesting or what his character’s want is. The number of times I have watched his performances, he comes up with genius level of ideas in order to play his character with in-depth. In this play, like the rest of the cast performed mildly only, which is actually a disappointment.

vi – If a certain dialogue is comical and an actor gives its punch line once… then yes, it is a joke and hilarious to listen. But once you have passed that and second or so on you gave exactly same dialogue / punch line, then it is no longer a joke but rather considered as a ‘Repeated line’. But this happened several times, to two or three punch lines kept repeating with some gap. Audience did not know how to react after listening to the same joke so they laughed lightly to keep themselves awake.

vii – Adnan Anis really needs to work hard as an actor, if he is serious to be one in future. He was the weakest of the lot. But I hope he does learn from his mistakes soon.

viii – When the play was about to start, a much greater number of audiences was present although the auditorium was still not full. But even before the interval came, some of the people already left the auditorium for good.

After the interval, some people remain seated while most of red-carpet guests left the premises. Only handful of people came back to watch the 2nd half of the play.

Since, I was not enjoying the play myself, I turned my head to see other people reactions. Although some were listening to the play very closely while others were literally sleeping in their seats.

 

 

+ Overall

One might have high expectations knowing that respected Zia Mohiyuddin has directed Khuwabon Ke Musafir. Though, if this is the quality of direction by him, then I would prefer to skip his further plays.

 

 

Rate: 1.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on double feature Pakistani Rom-Drama theatre plays, Mernay Se Phele Janat (2016) and Bhadshahat Ka Khatima (2016). These two plays were conducted at NAPA.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Khalid Ahmed
• Written by Bee Gul (Mernay Se Phele Janat) and Saadat Hasan Manto (Bhadshahat Ka Khatima)

 

 

 

+ Note

Mernay Se Phele Janat is based on those parents whose children leave them in such fragile aged state all alone. As for Bhadshahat Ka Khatima, it revolves around on true friendship between a man (bum) and a woman (higher status) due to their loneliness.

The set design is basically the same for both the plays, only the wall barriers are put at different placements.

 

 

 

+ Full Cast (Mernay Se Phele Janat)

1. Khalid Ahmed as Aba Jee
2. Bakhtawar Mazhar as Janaat

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

It is about of an ailing aged man who is alone at his home with a maid. Therefore, he gains friendship with his maid who is the only one who cares for him.

 

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 
+ Full Cast (Bhadshahat Ka Khatima)

1. Nazar Ul Hasan as Manmohan
2. Kaif Ghaznavi as Khaatoon

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

Manmohan is a bum in his late 40s, who practically used to live on footpath but now recently started living at his friend’s abandoned office. One day, he receives a call by a woman by mistake at first. But then she somehow feels connected by him and draws nearer to him. Their true friendship continues on telephonic conversation only. Manmohan who has started to enjoy her companionship though never even bothered to ask her name.

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – The name ‘Nazar Ul Hasan’ is the meaning of ‘Outstanding Performance’. If you want to watch something really amazing, then simply watch him perform. He completely becomes that given character from the heart and soul.

ii – The performances by all four actors have been magnificent. They knew their lines as if spoken directly from the bottom of their hearts.

iii – The direction throughout the play was well taken care of such as when Janaat’s character turns her attention to face the imaginary person on the other end and gives her lines.

iv – Both the plays were very intriguing to watch while the performances by both of the actors is of the highest quality which made this play even more engaging.

v – Kaif Ghaznavi played her role in most compelling way. Her voice is charming as she sung few songs in the play.

vi – The light humor in these two plays was alluring to watch and thoroughly enjoyed.

vii – The set design was nicely designed and constructed till its requirement.

viii – The costume designs for the performers suited their characters perfectly.

ix – The ambiance that was created during the play especially how the flash back scenes were directed. Bravo!

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Mernay Se Phele Janat ends with an ambiguous note… not that I’m complaining but many people were left with scratching their heads.

ii – Some technical issue regarding handling of lighting being focused during a performance.

 

 
+ Overall

Strong performances, excellent direction, beautiful scripts with workable set design is enough to consider Mernay Se Phele Janat and Bhadshahat Ka Khatima to be considered a ‘Masterpiece’ in the theatre world.

 

 

 

Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, Khawab Tha Shayad (2018). It was performed at NAPA basement.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Costume Design, Production Design & Directed by Irfan Khan
• Written by Fawad Khan
• Lights by Masood ur Rehman
• Sound Mixing by Sunil Shankar
• Produced by IB Productions

 

 
+ Note

Khawab Tha Shayad is directorial debut by Irfan Khan. Raheel Siddiqui and Najma Kifayat played the lovers’ movement while Fawad, Affan and Marium were as Extras.

 

 
+ Main Cast

1. Yogeshwar Karera as Salman
2. Areeba Aqeel Burney as Saba #1
3. Irfan Khan as Salman (Young)
4. Ifrah Khalid as Saba (Young)
5. Naz as Salman’s Mother
6. Aamir Naqvi as Salman’s Father
7. Sehrish Qadir as Saba #2

 

 

 

+ Plot

A young couple, Salman & Saba fall in love with each other. To fulfill their dreams and have complete freedom, they decide to move in together away from their families. But once having their new home, everything starts falling apart.

 

+ High Points
i – After such a long time, able to see Irfan Khan perform in a lead role as immature, insecure, young lover Salman. His strong performance had the audience fall in love with him who was new to watch his acting. As for me, he made me very pleased on the growth as a performer. Well done!

ii – The playwright is interestingly written, something to be proud of. Always loved Fawad Khan’s scripts.

iii – Wow! I am … impressed by Ifrah Khalid who played the role of Saba as another immature, hot headed, straight forward lover. With her firm acting skills it possible to see her as the new limelight of the theatre world and TV, film industry. Other Honorable Mentions: Areeba Burney and Yogeshwar Karera.

iv – Irfan’s direction as a first timer for this tragic play was good. It helped to make the scenes more interesting to watch.

v – The humor level was light and reasonable for the play’s content.

 

 

 

+ Low Points
i – I am sure that we can easily skip cheap dance performances which were not only unnecessarily shown but also had a Titanic tune with it.

ii – Type Caste roles are an abomination to our media industry. The places such as NAPA, Arts Council should give chances to their students to perform in a different role, so they be able to learn and see for themselves that they can act in any role given to them brilliantly without making them a type caste performer. This is already happening in our media industry for decades and should be reduced from these schools for the betterment of these future artists.

iii – There was no need of movement performance, I can assure you. It was completely pointless.

iv – The production design was dull, very boring. There were hardly any props given importance to.

v – Really, I have no issue on watching a play based on a simple story. What really counts is its presentation and how well it is directed. However, since the director himself is a newcomer, therefore the overall picture gave an overused plot.

vi – I must say that the team behind this play’s management handled it very poorly. There should be a restricted age requirement on who can attend plays with strong languages, themes it based on. By maintaining a calm, peaceful environment, punctuality, time barrier for the audience to watch the play with ease and in relax mode… rather than half of the attention is subconsciously focused on crying kid whose parents gave no heed to make it quiet or take the kid outside to stop from creating any further disturbance.

vii – With a simple story, we also have a very predictable end. Unlike to a very intriguing story written previously by Fawad Khan, this time we have a very common story to deal with.

 
+ Overall
Khawab Tha Shayad is an interestingly written playwright along with strong lead performances. But it is also a victim of its own suffering through a series of errors.

 
Rate: 2.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistan Romantic Drama theatre play, Heer Ranjha (2017). It was performed at Arts Council Karachi.

 

 

+ Crew
I. Directed, Production Design, Costumes Design & Written (Adaptation) by Naz

II. Asst. Directed by Damyanti Gosai

III. Co-Written (Adaptation) By Kafi Kazmi

IV. Vocal Song by Anil Tahir Azad

 

 

+ Note
Heer Ranjha was originally written by Waris Shah. Some historians say that the story was written after Shah had fallen in love with a girl named Bhag Bhari while other people say that Heer & Ranjha were real personalities who lived under the Lodi dynasty. Later on, Waris Shah later utilized these personalities for his story.

It’s possible that this story has symbolic meaning attached to it, referring to the implacable chase of a man has towards his creator.

Heer Ranjha is one of the most popular tragic romances of Punjab which it is about the love of Heer and Ranjha. Due to its plot and tragic story, it is often compared to the Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

 

 
+ Full Cast
1) Fajir Sheikh as Heer

2) Umair Rafiq as Ranjha

3) Samhan Ghazi as Qazi (Molvi)

4) Aamir Naqvi as Sarpanj

5) Muntazir Mehdi as Seida (Dumb)

6) Damyanti Gosai as Sehti / Heer’s Mother

7) Asma Noor as Village Girl #1 / Heer’s Friend #1

8) Roohi Ahmed as Village Girl #2 / Heer’s Friend #2

9) Saddam Hussain as Qeedu (Handicap)

10) Aisha Iqbal as Ranjha’s Bhabhi

11) Akbar Aftab Ladhani as Ravi (Narrator)

12) Anil Tahir Azad as Waris Shah (Singer)

13) Ashfaq Ahmed as Chaudhry (Heer’s Father)

14) Raheel Siddiqui as Ranjha’s Brother

15) Zain Qureshi as Groom’s side Dancer #1 / Daako #1

16) Zeerak Khan Niazi as Groom’s side Dancer #2 / Daako #2

17) N/A as Heer’s Groom

 

 

+ Plot
Heer is a beautiful girl who is born in a wealthy family of the Sial (tribe) Jatt while Ranjha also a Jatt of the Ranjha tribe and is the youngest of four brothers who lives in the village of Takht Hazara. One day in wedding ceremony, Ranjha meets and falls in love with Heer. Unfortunately there are those people full of envy who would do anything to stop this from ever happening.

 

 

+ High Points
i – Saddam Hussain as Qeedu is yet again, the show stealing performance. It seems that he was born to play the role of Qeedu. His strong performance was one of the reasons why the interest level was kept throughout the play.

ii – Roohi Ahmed has done a fantastic job in playing her supporting role. She performed her character with such ease and was enjoying herself. Other Honorable Mentions: Umair Rafiq and Aamir Naqvi.

iii – Lots of improvement in the character development especially of the main characters which made an important connection with the audience. Then whatever conflicts would fall on these two lead actors, we as audience would feel their pain of hurting or losing them.
iv – Not sure to see Ranjha taking off his ‘fake’ beard was part of the script or added to make it as amusing scene. Either way, it was worked with the moment.

v – Good development with the narration by Akbar Aftab Ladhani. He was able to capture the tragic moments with his strong vocal and eye contact. Nice work!

vi – Nice vocal songs sung by Anil Tahir Azad. It helped to move the story forward and gave emotional touch to it.

 

 

+ Low Points 
i – Due to lack of experience, the lead performances were average at best but not great. The fault is not of these two lead actors as they are still in their young acting age. The casting of the lovers should be given to those actors who would deliver strong performances as the script demands.

ii – Lighting should further be improved. Such as the first time when Ranjha looks at Heer, there should be two lime lights only where one at Ranjha and other one at Heer while all other lights should be switched off or lit very dimly.

iii – Although Fajir Sheikh did a fair job as Heer but she needs to work with her voice control and how to speak in playing different characters.

iv – The set design was okay but it covered major of the stage portions. The actors were restricted with very limited movement / blocking.

 

 

+ Overall
This remake’s several scenes were improvised, many of the interesting dialogues were added to boost up the morale and the hard work of the performers in making Heer Ranjha an enjoyable play.

 

 

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Political Satire theatre play, Kyun Nikala (2018). Its Executive Producer is Asiyah Tahir while its Production House is KopyKats Productions.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Lighting & Directed by Dawar Mehmood
• Written by Anwar Maqsood
• Produced by Epsilon Communications

 

 

 

 

+ Note
Prior to the play, Anwar Maqsood had made it clear that Kyun Nikala has nothing to do with former PM, Nawaz Sharif.

This play was performed at Arts Council Karachi.

 

 
+ Full Cast

1. Sajid Hasan as Chaudhry
2. Mohsin Ejaz as Mujeeb Bengali
3. Sarah Saifi as Modi
4. Maha Hasan as Rehana
5. Nazar Hussain as Nadra Khawaja Sera / NAB officer
6. Raza Zaidi as Lasani Wakeel / NAB Officer
7. Rabbiya Shakil as Nasreen Sadiq
8. Khadija Hashism as Shaista Ahmed
9. Tanveer Gill as Sardar Sahab

 

 

 

 

+ Plot
Chaudhry, a PMLN member is very disturbed by the current situation at the time of general elections to take place soon. His wife, Modi tries to convince him to join the PTI while the Bengali cook, Mujeeb is the only one who is much wiser and all ears in the house.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points
i – Sajid Hasan as Chaudhry acted very brilliantly, grabbed everyone’s attention by his funny facial expressions and timely comic punchlines. It was truly an honor to watch his LIVE performance in respected writer, Anwar Maqsood’s play.

ii – The punchlines, the jokes were well written by Sir Anwar Maqsood. Naturally, the play’s foundation was strong enough by him for the director and the actors to do their parts as the script (Anwar) demanded it to be for the audience to enjoy.

iii – Once again, a good direction by Dawar Mehmood. He always made the plays much more interesting with his smart timing execution.

iv – A convincingly performance by Tanveer Gill as Sardar Sahab (Sindhi). He was one of the two characters who were interestingly written. I thoroughly enjoyed him perform and hope to see him grow as an artist.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points
i – If one is involved with current politics, as to what is happening in our nation then you would enjoy the play more as two-third of the jokes were based on political references. Otherwise, you be sitting there and watching other people laugh.

ii – Sajid Hasan’s character, Chaudhry was given more meat than any other character. No one stood a chance to do better in front of him as Sajid was given all the best punchlines and maximum stage appearance.

iii – ‘Khalayi Makhlooq’ was the dialogue spoken by the character, Mujeeb Bengali whenever Chaudhry asked him to whom he is talking to. This dialogue was funny hearing only the first time he said. After that this became very boring to make the audience laugh with same repeated joke, tiresome attempt by the writer.
iv – I was shocked to see that the lighting was too sloppily handled. The dialogues were yet to be delivered by the performers but the lights were too soon switched off. This happened several times which was hard to ignore.

 

 

 

+ Overall
With the combined efforts of lead star, director and writer, Kyun Nikala is a light comedy political play with a quality time to enjoy.

 

 
Rate: 3.0 out of 5

 

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

 

A review on Pakistani Drama Comic theatre play, Qissa Sotay Jaagtay Ka (2016).

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Anjum Ayaz

 

 
+ Note

Qissa Sotay Jaagtay Ka is originally written by late Ahmed Ali. Its basic theme is about how equality and justice are look upon in the light of different classes in the society.

 

 

+ Full Cast

1. Irfan Khan as Aadam / Aam Aadmi
2. Muhammad Zamaan Abbasi as Saaqi Khan
3. Najma Kifayat as Hoshruba
4. Hammad Khan as Kafgeer
5. Aqeel Ahmed as Chamcha
6. Ghulam Murtaza as Maseeh Ul Qasr / Nigran e Sheher
7. Kaleem Ghouri as Ghulaam
8. Saddam Hussain as Wakeel e Aam
9. Umair Rafiq as Wakeel e Khaas
10. Nadir Hussain as Ameer Ul Riyasat
11. Sehrish Qadeer as Shehzadi / Aadam’s Wife
12. Farhan Malik as Fankaar

 

 

+ Plot

Aadam is a married common man, who has a bad habit of drinking. One day, he drinks too much and falls asleep. In a mere coincidence, a high-status ruler Ameer Ul Riyasat finds him there and decides to play a ‘Game’ with Aadam by putting him in his place for few days as the dominant ruler.

 

 

 

+ High Points:

i – It was a good decision to give the lead role to Irfan Khan as Aadam. He played the role really well and it was interesting to see him perform.

ii – The main supporting roles of Hammad Khan & Aqeel Ahmed as the advisers played their roles brilliantly to the CORE. The bulls-eye performances made a very strong impression in the audience and critic alike. Their weird type of laughter would always remain memorable of this play.

iii – Najma Kifayat as private secretary plays the character in such a way as if she was born to play these kinds of roles.

iv – The set design was exquisite and astounding to look at.

v – The story as well as the screenplay is so fascinating that one should give his serious attention to. A good script is a main ingredient that helps the performers in playing their respected roles in striking manner.

vi – The direction was very good throughout the play especially in the scene of court room where the lawyers (played by Umair Rafiq and Saddam Hussain) reading the books in gibberish manner, fighting for the case with such enthusiastic behavior but during the recess showing them as good friends was well directed and performed.

vii – We have a guest appearance by Faizan who plays the role of Fankaar. His limited role left the audience very amused.

viii – The costumes were very suitable according to the characters as written.

 

 

 

+ Low Points:

i – The character Shezadi though the role was small but its inclusion in the play did not carried any weight. It would have been better if the character was kept off-stage.

ii – As I mentioned before that Najma Kifayat played the role Hoshruba as it demanded to be but I am really growing tired to see her in repeated similar roles on and on. If Najma is serious in making a good career as an actress then she needs to look for different and challenging roles which are not in the category of ‘Type Cast’. Due to this reason, any other good actress would have been delightful to watch who has not played a role like this before.

 

 
+ Overall:

Qissa Sotay Jaagtay Ka is a memorable play mainly because of its writing and direction.

 

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Drama Comic theatre play, Ismat Chughtai Ki Kahanian.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Fawad Khan

 

 

+ Note

Ismat Chughtai Ki Kahanian is adapted from Ismat Chughtai’s Stories (2016). It is originally written by late prominent writer, Ismat Chughtai. She was a renowned Indian writer in Urdu, who was well-known for her willful spirit with a fierce feminist ideology.

In this unusual play, all four characters came separately and present individually on stage (one at a time). Each one faced the audience while telling the story with such keen interest.

Ismat Chughtai Ki Kahanian brings strong memories of Chughtai’s classic & nail-biting humor. These stories pokes fun at our unbearable egos, established standards and pressurized moralities. It forces us to consider and accept our realities in all its complexities.

 

 

+ Full Cast

• Naz as Ismat Chughtai
• Syed Meesam Naqvi as Ghoonghat
• Nazar Ul Hasan as Chirri Ki Dukki
• Fawad Khan as Amar Bail

 

 

+ Plot

It is told in the shape of ‘Dastangoi’ (Urdu oral storytelling art form), perform three of Ismat Chughtai’s stories: Ghoonghat, Chirri Ki Dukki, and Amar Bail.

 

 

+ High Points

i – It was always a HUGE challenge for the director how to make this play interesting when knowingly that the only possible way to grab audience attention is by making it entertaining way of storytelling with strong script and knowledge of understanding on which words exactly do the emphasis should be given upon to.

ii – The performance by Fawad Khan and Nazar Ul Hasan was a tie. Although Fawad spoke wrong words in few places including the title (He named the former title). But still these two stars made their mark as the two lead performers.

iii – Whereas performances by Naz & Syed Meesam Naqvi was no secondary. These two performed the best they could and were well received by the audience.

iv – The adapted script was well written which pushed the performers towards the peak of their story telling. Audience was thrilled and the entire auditorium was echoed with hard claps and laughter.

v – The set design was attractive enough where the spot light was placed at the center of the performer. Everyone’s attention was directly focused on the story teller only.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – This play was not my cup of tea. Only a certain target audience would be very interested in these kinds of plays and thoroughly enjoyed it.

ii – The Urdu spoken in the play was ‘Khalis’ (Pure) just as it was originally written by the late writer.

 

+ Overall

Ismat Chughtai Ki Kahanian is an interesting set of stories, told in very comical manner.

 

Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars