A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, ‘Twins Apart’ (2019). The Production House is Stage Nomad Productions. The Assistant Director & Sound Design is Rao Nauman Rahman while its Acting Director is Ishtiaq R. Omar.

 

+ Crew

• Written (Adapted) & Directed by Shah Sharahbeel
• Co-Written (Adapted) by Kulsoom Aftab
• Lighting by Syed M. Jamil
• Production Design by Tanveer Abbas
• Produced by Irfan Anwar, Hammad Ather Mehmood and Rao Rahman

 

 

+ Note

Twins Apart is a musical play originally written by Willy Russell as ‘Blood Brothers’ (1983). The story is a contemporary nature versus nurture plot, revolving around fraternal twins, who were separated at birth, one subsequently being raised in a wealthy family, the other in a poor family. The different environments take the twins to opposite ends of the social spectrum. This play was held at Arts Council Karachi on 16^th Feb 2019, media night. Ever since the show has started playing from 12^th Feb 2019, the lead star, Faraz Ali has fallen ill with ‘Dengue’ fever. But due to his compassion and commitment to this play, he has been performing at his best without making the audience realize of his grave illness.

 

Other crew members are, makeup & hair styling is done by Incia Kazvini, costumes design by Sumaira Sheikh, dance choreography by Shazi & Ghani, fight choreography by Muhammad Ashfaq while the music is composed by Haris. The dance choreographer Ghani aka Mohammad Abdul Ghani has also played the supporting role of Raju. The stunt of Rikshaw (vehicle) wheeling is done by its actual driver, Shahid. Songs such as ‘Bang, Bang’ is originally sung by Nancy Sinatra in 1966 and ‘Ye Dosti’ is a remake of ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ sung by Venkatesh Prabhu aka Dhanush in 2012. This is the debut play of lead actress, Kanwal Khan.

 

Just before the start of the play, an unnecessary feud was erupted on a minor issue. It took almost half an hour to sort this out. This in-fame incident is important enough to mention here so that we as part of the management could avoid such mishaps in future. Unfortunately, it has been a very long part of Art Council’s history where they have never taken proper measures over the management’s issues. A simple sign of having front two rows as ‘Reserved’ is sufficient for anyone not to take those seats for themselves. The rules & regulations given at the back of the ticket just said reserved seats but didn’t mentioned which rows or seats to which they are exactly pointing out to. I hope that this is avoided next time by any play’s / organizer’s management. We all make mistakes but do learn from it. That is all.

 

I am not a fan of this play’s end. Though, it is almost the same written in its original version, Blood Brothers. But the original play theme was revolving around a superstition (“Shoes Upon the Table”). Therefore, it makes sense why the original writer chose this ending for. However, as for this play, it was solely up to the writer to decide. If he wanted, he could have changed it. But I guess, he must be satisfied with its original ending only.

 

 

+ Main Cast:

1. Faraz Ali as Mussa
2. Umer Naru as Essa
3. Kanwal Khan as Noorie
4. Ifrah Khalid as Mrs. Safiha
5. Faiza Mahmood as Mrs. Mariyum Qalabash
6. Rehan Nazim as Singer & Narrator #1 (Main) / Raavi / Dancer #1

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supporting Cast

1. Mohammad Abdul Ghani as Raju
2. Hammad Ather Mehmood as Mr. Bilal Qalabash
3. Armoghan Bela as Hammad / Passerby #1 / Singing Organizer
4. Muslim Abbas as Prisoner / Tipu / Dancer #2
5. Aneesha Altaf as Nisha / Passerby #3 / Dancer #4
6. Summaiya Rehman as Noorie’s Mother/ Passerby #4

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

+ Minor Cast

1. Ouwais Kidwai as Friend / Passerby #2 / Dancer #3
2. N/A as Narrator #2 (Beginning & Ending)
3. Aqib Yasbaig as Police Officer / Dancer #5
4. Gulv Merley as Police Officer / Dancer #6
5. Niaman Hassani as Police Officer / Dancer #7
6. Litle Wayne as Police Officer / Dancer #8

 

 

+ Plot

It revolves around twin boys (Mussa and Essa) who are separated at birth and brought up in completely different environments in the city.

 

 

+ High Points

i – I really do not know how to praise Faraz Ali. Any praises given to him would be considered short and incomplete. As an actor, he goes deep in his character to play the role through their eyes. He is awesome on every level of his acting craft. Honestly, I see Faraz as high contender to our industry whether it is theatre, TV or film. His terrific performance as Mussa have made many people to wonder, why they have never heard his name before? Why they have never seen him on mainstream projects? I (with many people), strongly believe that he should approach TV and film industry where he would be more appreciated and highlighted by the mass audience… not just in Pakistan but all over the globe. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you Faraz Ali as the ‘Shining Star’.

ii – As for Kanwal Khan’s performance for her role as Noorie, the word is ‘Wow’! It is difficult to believe that this is her debut play. For a girl of her talent, she can do wonders for upcoming projects.

iii – The very first performance I have watched of Umer Naru was his comic role for few episodes in the TV series, ‘Pyray Afzal’ (2013) as Mehtab. Here, he plays the second brother of rich lifestyle as Essa. Since his character was less demanding, Umer still able to do a convincing job as educated, cool minded brother from respectable background. Other than his acting skills, it has came as a surprise for many that he is an actual singer with a very good voice and wrote his own songs. Impressive, I must say. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

iv – Superb direction by respected Shah Sharahbeel. The love triangle chemistry, scenes swift changes during songs sequences and adulthood scenes were very well directed. This is my first play that I have watched of Shah Sharahbeel. And I can assure you that I am overwhelmed and eager to watch more of his upcoming directorial plays.

v – Rehan Nazim has done a wonderful job as the narrator. Not only he was instructed to face the audience for them to have the emotional link with the main characters present on-stage but make them feel the pain, the struggle that the characters were feeling through the effective handling of his narration.

vi – Although, the play was around 135 minutes long. But I can assure you that not even once did I glance over my wrist watch to see the time. The play was so interesting that it made the audience’s minds and hearts connected to it.

vii – The dance choreography in all the songs and by the professional dancers was excellent! A huge round of applause for the BTS team.

viii – It is very rare to see the usage of projection design as this play did. Some people may call it visual presentation also, though it differs from it. ‘Shehr-e-Afsoos’ (2018), directed by late Madeeha Gauhar is a good example who used this technique stunningly in her play.

ix – There were other performances such as by Ifrah Khalid who made a very bold and good choice for playing biological mother. She is young, energetic actress. If she wanted, Ifrah could had played the lead role as Noorie remarkably too. But I am still pleased to see that she is making right choices early in her career for her to grow up to become a strong performer.

‘Rehearsal’ (2018) was the play directed by Syed Meesam Naqvi where Faiza Mehmood played the lead role. Her performances in both the plays have been solid.

I am very happy to see that Mohammad Abdul Ghani has able to improvise his negative character to a much better and brighter result.

x – High kudos to the songs sung by Umer Naru on his guitar, concert scene and Rehan Nazim’s singing after giving narration in almost every major scene that he appeared to.

xi – The combined efforts by the makeup & hair styling team with costumes designers have able to pull this off by showing the passage of time from childhood days to adulthood.

xii – Even though the production design was not detailed with props but it was innovative to change its different locations’ set easily.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Personally, I don’t agree with this play’s treatment. It gave a strong similarity to Bollywood style films. Most of the Pakistani films nowadays are not making films similar to their neighbor’s commercial films anymore. Same way, I believe that we can and should have our own signature move on it… even if it’s a musical play.

ii – There were times where this play was over-dramatic. The writer should tone down a little bit to give more realistic feel to it. A popular example from the film world can be given here of the Tokyo Story (1953) which was copied / remake into Bollywood film, Baghban (2003). Even though, both of these two films are very compelling and touching to watch. But there are many scenes that were changed to be over-dramatic in Baghban. The writer of Tokyo Story could have done the same very easily, but he didn’t. He chose not to. And this is one of the main reasons why this film is considered as one of the best and listed in the Criterion collection. Yes, I do understand that our mass audience go for more emotional, dramatic scenes. But it is suggested only not to follow the such paths as the writer of Baghban did. Keep it real, more realistic to the actual world.

iii – For a comic relief character, try coming up with creative characteristics, good punch lines and interesting backstory. Having a homosexual character for a comic role is a serious ‘No-No’. Armoghan Bela did his level best to do justice to the character given to him. Hence, it is not his fault.

iv – There were some writing issues, where the script was weak especially the first act, of childhood scenes.

v – Due to his commitment of being a producer, Hammad Mehmood plays a small role of Essa’s father. For him to be in any play, the audience wants to see Hammad perform in a much interesting and bigger character. Make no mistake, Hammad Mehmood is ‘The Star’ of Stage Nomad Productions.

vi – Minor issues regarding its lighting such as where the narrator is facing the audience and he is not given / delayed a spotlight for audience to see him clearly; as he is the center of focus for that moment.

 

 

+ Overall

Twins Apart happens to be a highly entertaining play which Stage Nomad Productions have ever produced!

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Jungle Mein Mangal Bazar’ (2019). This was the seventh & final play performed at NAPA’s 2^nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

+ Crew

• Costumes Design, Production Design & Directed by Syed Meesam Naqvi
• Written (Adapted) by Babar Jamal
• Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman
• Stage Management by Rachna Kirpalani, Hasnain and Qasim
• Assistant Directed by Ubaid Iqbal

 

 

+ Note

Jungle Mein Mangal Bazar is an adaptation of ‘Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!’, originally written in Italian by Dario Fo. Regarded as Fo’s second best-known play internationally.

Since 1990, this play had been performed in 35 countries. Though written as a political statement about the life and times of Italy in the 1970s, its themes of unemployment, class division, and women’s role in society strike a relevant note in 1980s Britain.

NAPA stages a number of events throughout the year including plays, music concerts, and festivals.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Shabana Hasan as Shehla

2) Kashif Hussain as Umair

3) Nazar Ul Hasan as Zameer Shah / Wakeel Shah / Taboot Wala / Abu

4) Kiran Siddiqui as Kiran

5) Mujtaba Rizvi as Daniyal

6) Aman as John Doe (Dead Body)

 

 

+ Plot

A hilarious and critically acclaimed political farce centers on direct action by housewives against inflationary supermarket prices and struggles of their husbands who face unemployment and political crisis.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Remarkable performance by Nazar Ul Hasan in multiple roles that he had to play. He was one of the main ingredients to why the play was really a comical one and should not been missed.

ii – Shabana Hasan as Shehla played one of the lead roles incredibly well. She is a fantastic actress who should never be taken lightly. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

iii – A good adaptation of the script. It is hilarious and able to pull the Live audience attention glued to the stage.

iv – The costumes were authentic with the characters’ background.

v – Once again, we were given chance to watch Meesam’s captivating direction. Almost 2-hours of play was very wisely utilized.

vi – The production design was divided it into two separate sets. It gave way for blocking of actors with enough space for them to roam around easily.

vii – The lighting is very smoothly handled. Especially the scenes of detective getting beaten down and the road side interaction.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Some of the props did not seem appropriate or were missing in its production design such as the paintings on the wall, basic furniture, TV were not part of the set.

 

 

+ Overall

Driven by laughter madness, Jungle Mein Mangal Bazar is the roller coaster of comedies.

 

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Ghanchakar’ (2019). This was the sixth play performed at NAPA’s 2^nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

+ Crew

• Costumes Design, Production Design & Directed by Syed Muhammad Jamil
• Written by Maqbool Ahmed
• Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman

 

 

+ Note

Ghanchakar is a directorial debut by S.M. Jamil. This play is a farce of mistaken identities and small lies that balloon in to big confusions.

NAPA’s mission is to be an institution of excellence that provides quality education, rigorous training, and is a catalyst for creative expression in the performing arts.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Hammad Siddiq as Faisal

2) Hassan Raza as Mansoor

3) Shabana Hasan as Komal

4) Fajr Sheikh as Tina M.

5) Farhan Alam as Mr. Irani

 

 

+ Plot

A couple of friends, a job is not what it seems, a wife and a beautiful model set up the confusion that must be resolved to retain the job, save the marriage and achieve a happy ending.

 

 

+ High Points

i – The screenplay is very well written. Most of the punch lines were original. The play’s tone is balanced by hitting on sex-based jokes without directly implicating on them and avoiding the use of vulgarity. The characters such as Mansoor and Tina M. are very wisely written. These roles were not your common, typical type ones where people might often see them in other plays.

ii – The directorial debut by S.M. Jamil, has surprised many people as they did not have anticipated for this play to be well directed. I am honestly speechless and look forward to his next directed plays.

iii – Though, we have talked about this twice already, for not having a homosexual character in a comic play. But Hassan Raza’s superb performance as Mansoor has made this case an exceptional one. How intelligently, he understands and plays the role to make it a memorable one. He is certainly walking on the path of success.

iv – Fajr Sheikh as Tina M. played the main supporting role terrifically. With every play, her roles as well as performances have been improving by a big margin.

v – Once again, an excellent performance by Farhan Alam as Mr. Irani. His comic performances are so good on-stage that every director should look forward to have on-board for their plays. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

vi – The production design is detailed, arranged with most appropriate props.

vii – The lighting was nicely handled, especially to highlight the beats of the scenes.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – In the first Act, the play starts in slow pace with handful of good jokes only.

 

 

+ Overall

A hilarious satire of the lies and deceit, Ghanchakar is one of the finest comedies, featuring impressively written script and direction.

 

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Aar Par’ (2019). This was the fifth play performed at NAPA’s 2^nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Costumes Design, Production Design, Written (Adapted) & Directed by Rauf Afridi
• Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman

 

 

+ Note

Aar Par is an adaptation of an English play, ‘See How They Run’, is an English comedy originally written in three acts by Philip King. Its title is a line from the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice”. It is considered a farce for its tense comic situations and headlong humor, heavily playing on mistaken identity, doors, and vicars. There have been several films and TV adaptations on this play.

The writer/director has made some changes in the story and with their characters according to his need. Aar Par has some similarities including its end with Rauf’s play, ‘Da Bhagi Marg’.

The Karachi Laughter Fest 2019 brings together the various forms of comic performance in one hilarious festival. This year we present five plays directed by NAPA graduates along with a performance developed by Italian director, Marco Luly.

 

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Hammad Khan as Hammad

2) Abeera Pervaiz as Abeera

3) Ahmer Hussain as Faqeer Tundro

4) Fajr Sheikh as Ms. Tehzeeb

5) Tehreem Shafiq as Kinza

6) Hammad Siddiq as Mamoo

7) Muhammad Affan as Terrorist

8) Aqeel Ahmed as Leelo Gujar

9) Usman Javed as Policeman

 

 

+ Plot

It is a classic madcap comedy with a pile of misunderstandings, mistaken identities and pratfalls.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Surprisingly, Hammad Siddiq’s performance as Mamoo is very enjoyable and amusing. He is one of the main attractions why one should not miss in watching this play.

ii – Aqeel Ahmed as Leelo Gujar played one of the main supporting roles really well. Somehow, serious roles do not suit him whereas he able to impress everyone in playing comical roles.

ii – Ahmer Hussain is a brilliant actor, has already started making name for himself in the TV industry. In this play, his character as Faqeer Tundro, an army soldier, who is a close friend to Abeera and comes in handy in tackling threat. It is always a welcome to watch Ahmer on-stage. Other Honorable Mentions: Usman Javed, Fajr Sheikh and Tehreem Shafiq.

iii – The punch lines were very funny. The sex-based jokes, bought more attraction to the play.

iv – The production design was nicely constructed, helped with the actors’ blocking… the cupboard was built spacious enough too.

v – The costumes were carefully designed/chosen for characters… especially of Leelo Gujar.

vi – Once again, a wonderful direction by Rauf for this almost 2 hours long play. He is certainly making his mark to establish himself one of those directors who should be taken seriously by the audience and critics alike.

vii – The entire cast were able to give a very sound performance. A huge credit goes to the director.

viii – Having an almost 2 hours of play is long and tiring to watch. But still, having numerous witty jokes, good written script with nice performances made this play very pleasing.

 

+ Low Points

i – Ugh… Here we go again. We have a homosexual person as Policeman; And on top of that, a stereotype one. Now the question is, why? Why there is such a need for homosexual character for? But I do have an answer for that. The answer is… because it’s funny! Simple! You have a homosexual person in a play and here the audience would laugh anyway, regardless if he/she has comic lines or not. Amazing, isn’t it? Although, Usman did a very believable performance on-stage. But seriously, is this the best you could come up with?

ii – The jokes were more inflicted towards vulgarity though not directly imposed at. I have no issue with adult comedy. Sometimes, it works really well such as in this play. However, it’s advised to tone down the unnecessary gags that are strongly suggested towards sex.

 

 

+ Overall

Aar Par is a hilarious, fun-loving play. Rauf Afridi manages to make this a ‘Big Comedy Night’ filled with tremendous laughter!

 

Rate: 3.75 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Biwi Ho Tou Apni’ (2019). This was the fourth play performed at NAPA’s 2^nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written (Adapted) & Directed by Aisha Hasan
• Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman
• Assistant Directed by Shahrukh
• Sound Design by Ashraf Bhatti

 

 

+ Note

Biwi Ho Tou Apni is a delightful domestic farce play, originally written by Kamal Ahmed Rizvi. Kamal sb was a renowned Pakistani television actor and a playwright, who expired in late December 2015 due to heart attack.

National Academy of Performing Arts remains committed to innovation and excellence in the performing arts and presenting the best performances to the citizens of Karachi.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Farhan Alam as Saleem

2) Hassan Raza as Manzoor

3) Saad Zameer as Farooq

4) Umer Iqbal as Shakoor

5) Samhan Ghazi as Mr. Qudoos

6) Chand Bawani as Amina

7) Hina Rizvi as Mrs. Qudoos

 

 

+ Plot

Saleem decides to give up on his affairs and embark on married life with young Amina, but things start getting a little bonkers when her parents decide to move in.

 

 

+ High Points

i – A hilarious performance by Farhan Alam as Saleem, a former playboy with many secret affairs with married females including two belonging to his close friends. Farhan is one of the best actors to play lead role in comical plays.

ii – Ever since being a part of Khalid sb’s play ‘Jasoosi Dunya’ in lead role, Hassan Raza’s performances have significantly improved. In this play, he has portrayed as Manzoor, who is a close friend to Saleem and similar to Farooq, he is absolutely unaware of his friend, Saleem’s secret affair with his wife.  Other Honorable Mentions: Saad Zameer and Umer Iqbal.

iii – Similar to her husband, Aisha’s direction has a taste for theatrical excitement and fun in her play.

iv – The screenplay is written well and it is properly constructed into three acts.

v – The costumes were suitable as per characters’ personality.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Its been a very long time indeed that I have watched Chand Bawani’s performance. Its possible that after such a time gap, her acting ability may have been deteriorated or perhaps her character was not suitable for her.

ii – Since Hina Rizvi is a well-established TV artist, thus playing a limited role of a mother-in-law was not a wise option. Still, she did her best to make the character interesting.

iii – The ‘Self-Talking’ dialogues could do better job by effective collaboration with the usage of lighting.

iv – I believe, 10 minutes of the play can be cut short.

 

 

+ Overall

Biwi Ho Tou Apni is a sparkling entertainment with light comedy and heartwarming performances.

 

 

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars

 

 

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘An Evening of Commedia Dell Arte’ (2019). This was the third play performed at NAPA’s 2^nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Marco Luly
• Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman
• Sound Designed by Ashraf Bhatti
• Assistant Directed by Ubaid Iqbal

 

 

+ Note

An Evening with Commedia Dell Arte is a devised schemes and skits based on the classic Italian comic performance style. There are a number short stories performed in this play where a collection of scenes are taken from traditional stories, some are written by the director himself while some are devised with the actors.

 

Commedia dell’Arte is an improvised kind of popular comedy that was performed in Italian theatres in the 16^th – 18^th centuries.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1. Marco Luly
2. Hugo
3. Vaajdan Shah as Jester
4. Sabiha Zia
5. Hammad Khan
6. Danish Irshad
7. Umer Chaudry
8. Haris Khan
9. Aqeel Ahmed
10. Ibad Alam Sher
11. Farooq Haider
12. Umair Rafiq as Lover #1
13. Bani Mirza as Lover #2
14. Umer Iqbal
15. Adil Hasan
16. Taha Khan as Professor

 

 

+ Plot

In the shape of three types of comedies, Farce comedy, comedy and tragic comedy… several stories are played out by a long list of performers in many different roles.

 

 

+ High Points

i – A solid performance given by Bani Mirza. I have come to realize now that she can and should be given more difficult roles to play for all of us to be witness of the level of her acting craft. In other words, she is the new rising star.

ii – Umair Rafiq’s roles, as well as his performance was compelling to watch. You can call him lucky, for the roles he was given to perform… but Umair has certainly made his mark to remember him with good memory regarding this play. He seems to do farce comedy really well on-stage. Other Honorable Mentions: Farooq Haider and Marco Luly.

iii – There were some stories that were appealing, had light comedy and were pleasant to watch.

iv – The stage management was very effectively handled.

v – We were able to see many new faces as performers. That’s good.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Although, Vaajdan is a great and confident actor but his role as Jester was snooze taking — unfortunately, very dull to watch. There was only handful of his jokes which made the audience realize that he is still performing and should be appreciated.

ii – Many good performers’ acting skills were wasted because of many short stories that were conducted with numerous actors, who had to share the stage-time.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Sometimes very funny, but An Evening with Commedia Dell Arte eventually wears off with its lack of meaty roles and web of clichéd stories.

 

 

Rate: 2.75 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre (Dastangoi) play, ‘Dastaan Ki Eik Shaam’ (2019). This is the second play performed at NAPA’s 2^nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Zain Nazar
• Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman

 

 

+ Note

Dastaan Ki Eik Shaam, Dastangoi is a joint collaboration between Society for Music and Repertory Theatre (SMART) at NAPA.

 

+ Short Stories

1. Saqi Nama by Tilsm Hoshrub
2. Saf Shikan Batair from Fasana-e-Azaad
3. Khosat Shohar K Nam Naukhez by Fasana-e-Azaad
4. Biwi Ka Khat by Fasana E Azaad
5. Kuttay by Patras Bukhari

 

Regarding laughter, there is a famous saying by John Cleese that “Laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter. The laughter is a force for democracy”.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Syed Meesam Naqvi

2) Nazar-ul-Hasan

3) Qadeer Ahmed

4) Hasnain Raza

5) Uzair Mehmood

6) Muhammad Shafique

7) Riaz Baloch

 

 

+ Plot

It is a performance of several comic short stories and essays by some of the greatest Urdu writers, performed by alumni of NAPA’s Dastangoi project, alongside NAPA graduates.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Amazing performance by Syed Meesam Naqvi as the lead speaker. His perfect timing for comical expressions and eye contact with the LIVE audience, had people believed as though he is really a part of this separate entity. In most cases, Meesam’s remarkable acting brings the spectators attention towards him. Other Honorable Mention: Nazar-ul-Hasan.

ii – The adapted script was very amusing and highly interactive with the live audience.

iii – A simple production design with white sheet was set with white costumes, similar to the Urdu poets’ attire… perfectly suitable to this type of play.

iv – Zain Nazar has able to execute a nicely directorial play.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – If these stories were adapted into an actual theatre play, would have been a better option.

ii – Naturally, being part of the play with senior, renown artists… the new comers’ performances are often overshadowed.

 

 

+ Overall

Dastaan Ki Eik Shaam is a satisfying comedy with great performances by Meesam and Nazar.

 

Rate: 3.0 out of 5 stars