Category: Theatre Plays

A review on Pakistani Rom-Drama theatre play, Heer Project (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written (Adapted) & Directed by Bakhtawar Mazhar & Zain Ahmed
• Music Directed by Nigel Bobby
• Produced by Dhanak Arts

 

 

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+ Music

• Alan Malik
• Khateeja Imtiaz
• Muqaddas Saleem
• Natasha Sharif
• Joshua John
• Eden Rose
• Cynthia Rose
• Angeli Sarfraz

 

 
+ Note

Heer Project is an adapted play of Heer Ranjha, originally written by Waris Shah in 1761. It is a famous sad, love story from the Punjab (now in Pakistan). Because its plot involves a romance opposed by family members and ends with the two lovers dying, the story is often compared to the Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet.

 

 
+ Main Cast

1. Shabana Hassan
2. Hajra Yamin
3. Syed Maha Ali
4. Bakhtawar Mazhar
5. Mariam Saad
6. Masooma Nadir
7. Zashanne Malik
8. Vaajdan Shah

 

 

  

+ Plot
This great tragedy is retold through the eyes of Heer, incorporating modern poetry as well as dance and music to retell the iconic love-tale from a feminist perspective.

 

 

 

+ High Points
i – I don’t remember praising respected Zain’s play without giving major credit to his exceptional direction. Though, this time it’s with the combined efforts of Bakhtawar Mazhar has bought new light over her directorial work. If we speak for him only, he has trained many young directors under his wing and still continue to do so.

From the storytelling to love insights of Heer; the way sudden ‘Drop Dead’ scenario takes place, it immediately hails the brilliant thinking by both the directors on this play’s treatment especially its end and the idea behind the high intellect ways of its visually design. At every major step, his trademark of extraordinary direction can be seen (in collaboration with his co-director) clearly.

ii – Handpicked by the director himself, the musicians played an important role behind the play’s success.

iii – I would love to shake hands to the person/s responsible for the dance choreography & the body gestures. Zashanne’s flexibility and Vaajdan’s agility made them look like a perfect couple dancing gracefully on-stage. Excellent work!

iv – A different take of adaptation and its concept has fruitfully executed to its perfection.

v – The script, punch lines were interestingly written… pulled the audience closer.

vi – I really liked the production design, how it was presented as. It had enough room for the musicians and spacing for the performers and dance couple to play their part easily. Good job!

vii – The makeup & hair styling department did a fantastic job on their characters.

viii – The costumes were beautifully designed, made their characters look elegant on-stage.

ix – The use of projection design was not used for reading but for presentable reasons only. As to say, part of the production design. It was a good call.

 

 

 

+ Low Points
i – Although the design of the lighting was well thought over. But the handling of it was clumsy as after the performer steps in her placement, only then the lighting was switched on. This happened many times throughout the play.

ii – Don’t get me wrong, the performances by everyone were good but... as per the performers’ names in the cast, the expectations from them were much higher.

iii – Ranjha played by Vaajdan Shah looked much older than Heer, played by Zashanne Malik, with whom he was dancing with. Perhaps a better makeover would have improved his look?

iv – Who wears joggers in dresses like these? If the shoes can be seen by the spectators (without difficulty) then they would be considered a part of the costume designing.

 

 
+ Overall

Heer Project is a modest romance, where it’s challenging new treatment including its superb direction, has made its way in being both visually and emotionally moving.

 

 
Rate: 4.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, Dottok-e-Lug (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Costume Designing, Production Designing, Written (Adapted) & Directed by Kashif Hussain
• Written (Original) by Henrik Ibsen

• Produced by Silence Theatre Productions

 

 

 
+ Note

Dottok-e-Lug is a Balochi-Brohi-Pashto play, which is an adaptation of ‘A Doll House’ published in 1879. The play is significant for the way it deals with the fate of a married woman, who at the time in Norway lacked reasonable opportunities for self-fulfillment in a male-dominated world. It aroused a great sensation at the time, and caused a “Storm of outraged controversy” that went beyond the theatre to the world newspapers and society.

 

 

 
+ Full Cast

1. Ghazain Abbas as Attaullah
2. Najma Kifayat as Nazaneen
3. Shahab Khan as Gohram
4. Aisha Bakhtyar as Palwashay
5. Hafeez Lehri as Dr. Dostain
6. Samina Sehar as Maasi Mastun

 

 

 

 

+ Plot
In order to protect her secret; Nazaneen tries to defend one of Attaullah’s employees who know that she is misleading her husband. Attaullah insists on firing the employee. Gohram, the fired employee, sends a letter to Attaullah detailing Nazaneen’s deceit.

 

 

 
+ High Points

i – It would be a good decision if Kashif Hussain focuses more on direction, for us spectators to see more of his work. Dottok-e-Lug turns out to be a well-received directorial play.

ii – Adapting the novel into a Balochi-Pashto-Brohi play takes some real effort to do that. Kashif Hussain has able to do that with flying colors.

iii – My dear Najma Kifayat plays one of the main roles as the loving wife, Nazaneen. God! It’s seems to me like… ages have passed when I last saw her in a main role and was this much good. Even for a foreign language play, Najma has given one of her best performance for this role. I wish her all the best for her upcoming plays.

iv – Ghazain Abbas as the proud husband, Attaullah gives a very satisfying performance. I am happy to see him playing a lead role for he deserves it. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

v – The director gave his heart out when it comes to production design. Rarely, someone does that to his set. But still further improvisation can be done, to fill the negative gaps of the walls by props such as more pictures or paintings or by furniture like side table.

vi – It was a wonderful idea to include music, during the transition scenes.

vii – Generally, the lighting was okay. No issues here. Though, I liked the way it was fallen on the center painting during the scenes transitions. Good move!

viii – I think this is the first performance I have watched where the actors performed behind the curtains as well. The audience could hear their voices clearly.

ix – It is good to see more new / uncommon faces in the cast. This way the director gives other performers the chance to grow themselves as actors and be highlighted by the critics & the audience alike.

 

 

 
+ Low Points

i – The play is still lacking its humor and pleasant moments. The character, Dr. Dostain tries to fill that gap but it was not enough. Keeping in the view of the original content, the writer should come up with its improvisation in this missing element. Otherwise, the play is walking a straight line of ‘All too serious’ just drama only.

It is suggested to make some room for light, brief humor by extending some scenes of Dr. Dostain or other characters appropriate with it.

 

 

+ Overall

Dottok-e-Lug is an all-rounder when it comes to its adaptation; some really nice acting on display here.

 

 
Rate: 3.75 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Rom-Drama theatre play, Leela Chanesar (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Lighting, Costume Designing, Production Designing, Written (Adapted) & Directed by Shahnawaz Bhatti
• Co-Lighting, Co-Costume Designing & Associate Directed by Shahjahan Narejo
• Produced by Aashkara Arts Production and Simpa Jamshoro

 

 
+ Note

Leela Chanesar is a Sindhi play, which is adapted from the traditional story (Leela) that dates back to the time of Jam Chanesar. He was one of the Soomra rulers in 14^th century at Thatta, Sindh; Pakistan. It is often retold in Sindhi and Persian languages.

The story also appears in Shah Jo Risalo and forms part of seven popular tragic romances from Sindh, Pakistan. The other six tales are Umar Marvi, Sassui Punnhun, Sohni Mehar, Noori Jam Tamachi, Sorath Rai Diyach and Momal Rano commonly known as ‘The Seven Queens of Sindh’, or ‘The Seven Heroines of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’.

 

 

 

+ Musicians

• Anu Solangi as Vocalist
• Ustad Akhtar Hussain as Sarangi Mairaj Dholk

 

 
+ Full Cast

1. Aqsa Ahad as Leela
2. Fatima Rind as Kounro
3. Sheeraz Khan as Chanesar
4. Shifa Agha as Jimny
5. Pushmina as Raqasa
6. Aisha Mehak as Murki
7. Shahbaz Baloch as Khanghar
8. Anu Solangi as Jakhro
9. Ahsan Ali as Azaad
10. Shahjahan Narejo as Farishta / Angel
11. Erum Bashir as Nanchnay Wali / Dancer

 

 

 

+ Plot

Leela a spoiled but pleasure loving wife of Chanesar, is so enticed by another woman’s necklace that she allows the woman to spend one night with her husband. Furious that he had been ‘Sold’, Chanesar divorces his wife. Leela has to undergo a long process of purification until she is once more acceptable to her husband.

 

 

+ High Points
i – This play has made his mark by bringing in a strong playback singer. The audience were pulled closer by the singer’s stunning voice to the play’s tragic theme of guilt and redemption.

ii – The costumes were appropriate and suitable on the characters.

iii – The lighting was taken care of carefully. Good job!

iv – Good work behind the makeup & hair styling. The characters were depicted as per script’s demand.

v – Beautiful music was composed for this play. The effect on the audience mood was drastically improved as the story moves forward.

vi – The writer was able to treat this play with a different scenario. Instead of watching the current state, the audience was taken back to the flashback… from where it all started.

 

 

+ Low Points
i – The performances were good but they could have been great.

ii – Since the production design consisted of three different locations simultaneously, thus the space for blocking was very limited.

iii – The set design was generally simple. It has more room for improvement which is direly needed.

 

 
+ Overall

Leela Chanesar succeeds in both, dramatic effect and human touch.

 
Rate: 3.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Bio-Drama theatre play, Doleh Darya Khan (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Ali Roshan
• Written by Aagha Saleem
• Production Design by Habib Burdi & Badar Khan
• Makeup & Hair Styling by AB Otho
• Produced by Half Fry Theatre Group

 

 
+ Note

Doleh Darya Khan is a Sindhi play, based on during the reign of Jam Nizamuddin of the Samma Dynasty (1461 – 1508). This historical play will explore the events that led to the death of Doleh Darya Khan.

This play is co-directed by Nadir Hussain who happens to be NAPA’s graduate student.

 

 
+ Main Cast

1. Nizam Chandio as Doleh Darya Khan
2. Haya Noor as Hemoo
3. Ashiq Dayo as Jam Nizamuddin
4. Fozia Samo as Rani Marki
5. Sajan Khan as Jam Feroz
6. Riyaz Hussain Soomro as Kahoo

 

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Sattar Lar as Lakheer
2. Sajad Soomro as Hameer
3. Ali Baba as Peghami
4. Amjad Gul Soomro as Mir Qasim Qebki
5. Piral Karmani as Darban#1
6. Sudheer Chandio as Darban#2

 

 

 

+ Plot
A famous patriotic warrior, Doleh Darya Khan is the chief of his army and savior of Sindh. Due to his bravery & noble efforts, no enemy would dare attack Sindh while DDK is in authority.

 

+ High Points
i – An intriguing performance given by Riyaz Hussain Soomro as the queen’s drunken brother, Kahoo. Not only did he perform well, his character was very interesting to watch. The play grabs real life into it when Riyaz makes his entry.

ii – Having an appropriate sound design on-board was an excellent idea. It helped in understanding the given situation and transiting the scenes of the story line.

iii – The costumes designing was detailed and most suitable with characters’ profile.

iv – Amjad Gul plays a minor role as Mir Qasim Qebki but it was worth it. People were waiting for him to make his appearance. Even in such a small role, he successfully makes the audience laugh with his comic performance. Other Honorable Mentions: Ashiq Dayo, Sattar Lal and Nizam Chandio

v – The makeup & hair styling made the performers glamour under the lights. Their younger and aged characters matched with the performers’ portrayal for what they were given to play.

 

 

+ Low Points
i – I can understand that Amjad Gul plays comic characters only. But he is your ‘Trump Card’. It is advised to use him wisely by giving (if not lead then) at least a major role for him to play. In previous NAPA’s International Theatre Festival, Amjad was announced as a winner by me in the supporting role because of his brilliant performance.

If the play, Doleh Darya Khan does not have a comic relief character then make one (fictional) so that he could be part of your play as one of the main characters. For your kind of information, no ‘True Story’ is ‘The’ actual 100% true story. Some parts of it are always fictionalized.

Here too, it is strongly suggested to follow this path. Amjad Gul is a gifted performer who brings smiles to every age of spectator when he appears on-stage.

ii – A play based on one of the legendary warriors of interior Sindh, inclusion of a playback singer is a must!

iii – An addition of a proper music / score should have been a part of this play. Without it, the play is ‘Dry’ for the audience.

iv – Although the set design was properly constructed but it was visually basic in quality. Raise your stack by pouring more effort and budget for better, authentic look of production design. If this play is to be performed in big festivals such as NAPA’s International Theatre Festival, Sindhi Theatre Festival at Arts Council or for commercial reasons, then such production designs should improve.

v – The director should come up with a comprehensive play based on Doleh Darya Khan’s bio. I for instance, thought that this play was based on his life but in fact was merely based on some events only.

 
+ Overall

Despite its shortcomings, Doleh Darya Khan is a good attempt based on the portrayal of a fallen renowned warrior.

 
Rate: 3.0 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Storytelling theatre play, Dastangoi (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Nazar Ul Hasan
• Produced by Dastango

 

 
+ Note

Dastangoi is a term made up of two words, Dastan which means Epic, and Goi means to Tell. This is used to be an oral storytelling tradition that dies in the early 20^th century. This form of storytelling was very popular but in modern times, people are unfamiliar of it and their cycle of stories.

NAPA has conducted their festival plays and music performances in different Pakistani languages such as in Sindhi, Punjabi and continues to do so to invite more audience towards their theatre world.

 

 
+ Full Cast

1. Fawad Khan
2. Nazar-ul-Hasan
3. Syed Meesam Naqvi
4. Naz

 

 

 

+ Plot
Tales from the Adventures of Amir Hamza aka Dastan-e-Amir Hamza, five of Ayyar Bachian from Tilism-e-Hoshruba including an original contemporary Dastan are been told through the group of four performers.

 

 

 

+ High Points
i – A very entertaining performance given by Syed Meesam Naqvi as one of the storytellers. I could never imagine him to play such a vulgar role but in a very comic manner. Even today, he still has many surprises hidden underneath his sleeves.

ii – Speaking of vulgarity, it was Fawad Khan who takes the bigger share with yet another comic story teller with a detail account of a king with having massive gastritis problem whose story became a legend as per his descriptions. Even after his warning to the audience for proceeding towards obscene jokes, no one had thought of how much serious he really was.

iii – The humor was very open than being funny as the jokes were being played too much on the nose. Though, it all depended on the style of storytelling.

iv – I don’t remember even once glancing over my wrist watch. The play was highly entertaining.

v – A simple and formal style of production design was needed here.

 

 

+ Low Points
i – I admit that the play was very amusing where most of the people were enjoying it a lot. Still, no one could disagree that the ratio of toilet humor was used, it was too much to bear. The performer crossed all lines for it with no point of return.

ii – Such plays are not the kind of taste a family or formal guest would prefer to enjoy; especially when they have not anticipated from it. They would in fact, deem such plays as unwatchable.

iii – Does Naz really has something new to do? Repeated roles won’t get her any further in career than this.

 

 

+ Overall

Dastangoi on its face is so damn silly. But the cast’s strong commitment to the art of storytelling makes it work so well.

 

 

 

Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Foreign Musical-Drama ensemble play, Playlist (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written, Directed & Produced by A Collaboration

 

 

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+ Music:

1. Yusuf Kerai
2. Shehroze Hussain
3. Elmira Bahrami
4. Ahsan Bari

 

 
+ Note

Playlist is a collaborated Pakistani-German play which is performed in English and Urdu languages. In 2014, the US senate intelligence committee’s report on the CIA’s torture methods in American prison camps (Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Bagram and many more), which shook the world on revealing the bizarre, inhumane ways of torture at these camps. One of these tortures were to listen to American pop songs (Playlist) played on a loop and at extremely high volume.

The similarity to the science behind the choice of these ‘Happy’ & ‘Bright’ songs instantly recalls me the British film, Clockwork Orange (1971) where the protagonist was forced to watch and listen to the selected scenes & songs by the psychologists / scientists that were kept played in loop to the prisoners who were handpicked chosen for their strange experiments. Perhaps the psychologists in real life were inspired by this film.

Playlist depicts humans’ one of the most tragic and unspeakable acts of tortures on the face of this world. For making this play possible, the support of the international co-production fund of the Goethe Institute, Be Globle funding and NAPA.

 
+ Full Cast

1. Sunil Shankar as Prisoner#1
2. Fawad Khan as Prisoner#2
3. Joshinder Chagger as Narrator #1
4. Jakob Weiss as Narrator #2

 

 

 

+ Plot
A musical production that is part investigation and part meditation on this abuse of music and human body & soul.

 

+ High Points
i – The tremendous efforts behind its collaborated direction and the treatment of the play successfully works its way out. The audiences were not only shocked but very moved by it. The question is not ‘What’ they are shown but ‘How’ it was shown as.

ii – Standing ovation performance given by the two veteran actors, Fawad Khan and Sunil Shankar. They are one of the ideal actors to perform this dark play in the shape of reenactment or a mere glimpse of the unimaginable horrors that occurred inside the facilities of different infamous US prison camps.

iii – The musical performance consisted of tablas, sitar, violin and guitar instruments with all four being the vocalists, were not only heart touching but gripping as well. It is beautifully composed with every scene and blends in with the performance easily.

iv – The usage of the lighting was limited and effective. At some places, the placement of the light was intended not to show the actors’ face clearly. It was kept partially covered in the shadow by using different lighting techniques, such as ‘Face Framed in Shadow’, ‘Split Lighting’ and ‘Chiaroscuro’. It usually depicts that character as ‘Hidden’ or the ‘Person with unknown history / origin / motives’. But in this play, it showed them simply as ‘Subjects’, where their lives didn’t matter. This is what the facility makes their prisoners as. The two characters were kept mostly in darkness, with the light fallen on their faces only slightly.

v – The creativity behind every step the character takes, every move the director made and the numerous ways the victims’ body is shown being torture horribly on-stage. All this worked out brilliantly, without the use of visuals in depicting the explicit torture sessions. Most of the different torture scenes were briefly described only but not shown. As its depiction is beyond human’s imagination and sane mind to bear. This was a notable & clever call by the team to leave for the spectators to use their imagination instead.

vi – The symbolic body movements and the hidden gestures made by the performers during their torture scenes would haunt the audience till their very memories.

vii – Even though the script is limited as most of the performance is silent. The hope for unity and freedom against any unjust and evil doers is spoken during the torture session are very emotional, tragic and plays closer to the heart.

viii – Since the subject is dark & sensitive, therefore there was no need for the production design. A limited number of props were shown in certain scenes only. The focus of attention of the audience was required at the two characters.

ix – God! I can never listen to the title song of Sesame Street the same way ever again! This is the beauty of it. It is how real the play was presented and performed as. It made the audience felt for it.

x – The costume design is purposely used in black and uniformed state… similar to the theme of this play.

 

 

 

+ Low Points
i – These kinds of plays are for certain targeted audience only.

ii – Most of the people would prefer watching this play, once in a lifetime.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Terrifying, shocking and difficult to digest, Playlist offers a haunting insight to the inexplicable form of extreme torture testimony of humanity’s most shameful acts of power abuse.

 

 
Rate: 4.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Comedy Children’s theatre play, Sultan (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Costume Designing, Production Designing, Lighting, Written & Directed by Uzma Sabeen
• Produced by Rung Munj

 

 
+ Note

Sultan is a children’s play where the director has a reputed experience in executing comic plays. A posse of would-be heroes is here to save the day.

This play is an inspiration from the several stories complied together in One Thousand and One Nights aka Arabian Nights (1704 – 1721). It is derived from Middle Eastern folk tales that were translated in many different languages. Such as The Thief of Baghdad (1924) by novel by Achmed Abdullah, Sinbad: The Prince of Seven Seas (1711), Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves (1704) and Aladdin (1717).

Uzma Sabeen is actively involved with NAPA in teaching and management capacities. In 2013, she has received the Pakistan Media Award in Best Theatre Category.

 

 

+ Full Cast

1. Haris Khan as Sultan
2. Ahmer Hussain as Vazeer
3. Hammad Khan as Jinn
4. Tehreem Shafi as Shehzadi
5. Fraz Chottani as Babloo / Bablee
6. Rachna Kirpalani as Churail / Witch#1
7. Kashaf Ahmed as Ghazi
8. Najma Kifayat as Kaneez/ Witch#2
9. Samina Seher as Amma
10. Zulfiqar Ali Khan Ghouri as Witch#3

 

 

 

+ Plot
Sultan, head over heels, falls in love with the princess and proposes hand in marriage. However, the Vazeer wishes her for himself and would doing for it in order to have the entire kingdom at his feet.

 

 

 

+ High Points
i – Uzma’s wonderful direction makes this a fun-filled play.

ii – The play gets more interesting when Hammad Khan as Jinn makes his appearance. He is a fantastic actor, especially when he is given a comic relief character to perform.

iii – Fraz Chottani plays double role as Babloo / Bablee. He brings smiles and laughter to every age of spectator with his clever & motivating performance. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

iv – Nice musical songs and dance sequences keeps the audience glued to the performers.

v – The play was short and simple. With numerous funny punch lines, it comes to a satisfying end.

vi – Well suitable costume designing helps the performers to portray their roles properly.

vii – The switching of different lighting was carefully handled.

viii – The makeup & hair styling been done as per appropriate to the performers’ role.

 

 
+ Low Points
i – The production design could improve more; include suitable props with it.

 

 
+ Overall

An absolute delight, the hilarious punch lines one after another while smartly engaging with the audience, makes Sultan a favorite family-oriented play.

 

 
Rate: 3.75 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, Baari (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019. The play was directed on the instructions of late Madeeha Gauhar.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written by Shahid Nadeem
• Lighting & Production Design by Nadeem Mir
• Music & Sound Mixing by Bilal Mughal
• Produced by Ajoka Theatre

 

 
+ Note

Baari is written in 1986 and first performed on International Women’s Day in 1987. Shahid Nadeem wrote the play on Madeeha’s request, when he was in exile in London after being imprisoned by the military government of General Zia-ul-Haq. The play was produced by Ajoka and was directed by the late Madeeha Gauhar.

Ajoka Theatre Group dedicated this play to Madeeha Gauhar, who had previously directed this play several times.

This festival brings together performers from a diverse group of countries and as before NAPA have a number of collaborations between international and local artists.

 

 
+ Full Cast

1. Madiha Rashid/ Kanwal Khan as Zahida
2. Nayab Faiza as Jamila
3. Samina Butt as Jannat
4. Eva Majid as Mariam
5. Naseem Abbas as Warder

 

 

+ Plot
Zahida is sentenced to the central jail for protesting against the military regime’s ban. There she meets three female prisoners in her cell who are imprisoned for different reasons.

 

 

+ High Points
i – The only performance exciting to see was of Nayab Faiza as Jamila, the strong headed woman responsible for murdering her husband. This was a challenging role to play and was achieved it splendidly.

ii – The inclusion of the playback singer and music was a very good idea, helped in keeping the interest level in the play.

 

 

 

+ Low Points
i – The director’s absence was felt throughout the play. Surprising it maybe, but NAPA’s version in this festival did a better job.

ii – Generally, everyone’s performances were just average; more was expected.

iii – The absence of production set design did make a difference on the big stage.

iv – It’s funny to see an old woman, Jannat, walking and talking like a younger woman. Samina kept coming out of her character.

v – There were minor issue related to the lighting. See, when a character is speaking and walking simultaneously then the spot light should move with it.

 

 

+ Overall

Baari tries so hard to shock the audience with their individual stories that it completely forgets to connect it to emotionally and quickly devolve from women empowerment to tragic drama.

 

 

Rate: 1.50 out of 5 stars

 

 

A review on Foreign Dance-Drama theatre play, Devi (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written & Directed by Joshinder Chagger
• Produced by Studio J

 
+ Note

Devi is an Australian play, performed in English language. The word Devi refers to Goddess, which is an exploration of the Sufi saying, ‘Death Before You Die.’ It is performed by three artists with three different forms of expression, that is Experimental Movement, Bharatanatyam dance and Live Vocals & Music. Parvyn Singh was also the vocalist & musician.

 

 

 
+ Full Cast:

1. Joshinder Chagger as Hajra
2. Jaya Karan as Kali
3. Parvyn Singh Bennett as Falcon

 

 

 

+ Plot
Hajra is on a journey to shed her past. Kali, the Goddess of Death, is always by her side, waiting patiently. Death is the portal through which Hajra can move towards her higher self, represented by the melodious voice of the Falcon. However, as Hajra discovers, when one layer comes off, it reveals many more underneath.

 

+ High Points
i – Joshinder’s direction brings this dance play to a very satisfying end.

ii – From Parvyn to Jaya, all three gave their finest performances.

iii – I am sure, many would agree on me to say that Jaya’s portray as Kali in terms of dance choreography was the best.

iv – The handling of lighting was top notch.

v – A very different but conceptual, thought provoking idea behind the production design.

 

 

 

+ Low Points
i – The director leaves much on the audience to consume.

ii – Perhaps cutting the time length by 10 minutes may help.

 

 
+ Overall

Devi is for some vast, abstract audience anxious to lose itself in imagined narratives.

 
Rate: 3.50 out of 5 stars

 

 

A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, Jinnay Lahore Nahin Vekhya (2019). This play was performed at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Lighting, Production Design, Written (Adapted) & Directed by Anwar Jafri
• Costumes Designing & Co-Directed by Sheema Kermani
• Produced by Tehrik-e-Niswan

 

 

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+ Music Performers

• Vocalist by Daniel Wilayat
• Tabla by Zulfiqar Ali

 
+ Note

Jinnay Lahore Nahin Vekhya is adapted play, originally written by Dr. Asghar Wajahat. It is based on the actual incident and dialogues of Nasir Kazmi, taken from the letters and his writings.

This play is based on 1947, set in Lahore immediately after partition. The conflict arises on the partition of Hindustan, as to say that Pakistan is for Muslims whereas India is for Hindus only. This is strongly opposed by the poet, Nasir Kazmi and the Moulvi of the local mosque.

+ Main Cast

1. Sheema Kermani as Maajee
2. Mehmood Bhatti as Mirza Sahib
3. Samaviya Asghar as Begum Mirza
4. Abeera Pervaiz as Tanno
5. Harris Khan as Javed
6. Waheed Ali as Nasir Kazmi
7. Emran Khan as Pehalwan

 

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Adnan Haroon as Chai Wala
2. Sonu Imran Bhatti as Tangay Wala
3. Mohammad Anwar Uddin as Clerk / Moulvi
4. Madeeha Pervaiz as Begum Hidayat
5. Paro as Beti
6. Umair Aslam as Chela#1
7. Dawood Bhatti as Chela#2
8. Kumail Bhatti as Chela#3
9. Malaika Khalid as Girl#1
10. Dianna Lazer as Girl#2
11. Alika Kashif as Girl#3

 

 

 

+ Plot
An immigrant family has been allotted an abandoned haveli by the previous, Hindu family. To their dismay, they find that the haveli is already resides an old woman from the previous Hindu family. This not only irks the Muslim family but also the local residents of the neighborhood who want Pakistan for Muslims only.

 

+ High Points
i – Once more, a great direction by Anwar Jafri and Sheema Kermani. Last year in this festival, respected Anwar directed Manto Mera Dost which was also directed remarkably and gained much praises. In this play too, the combined efforts proved themselves as much worthy.

ii – A good adaptation, connected the audience with its emotional link while conveyed the play’s core message in the spectators’ hearts.

iii – Sheema Kermani gave a very creditable performance as the Hindu old, caring woman, Maajee. Just like in the play, the audience quickly fell in love with her character and felt her pain, the desire to meet her long, lost son on other side of the border. Thank you ma’am, it was an honor to watch you perform.

iv – Incredible performance by Emran Khan as the strong temper wrestler, Pehalwan. Due to his interesting character & solid performance, his scenes were very pleasant and amusing. It bought smiles, laughter to most of the audience. Other Honorable Mentions: Mohammad Anwar Uddin.

v – The inclusion of music & playback singer boasted the play and the performances strongly. I don’t think I would have loved this play the same way without them being part of it.

vi – The costumes were well suited, just the characters’ attire should be in.

vii – Proper usage of lighting, helped the performers presenting themselves better.

 

 

+ Low Points
i – Although the set design and props were much better than any other plays, I have watched of their production but still I believe they can further improvise it more.

ii – Having no sub plots, your concern would only be stick with one character the entire time.

 
+ Overall

Jinnay Lahore Nahin Vekhya is a beautifully accomplished play, for a better cast of players is difficult to imagine.
Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars