Looking back at theatre in 2018

With the New Year upon us, it is a time to celebrate the diversity of Pakistani theatre, which is a dynamic medium since it is performed in front of a live audience. Looking back, theatre in Pakistan experienced a resurgence of sorts in 2018 and saw a number of stage plays that highlighted social issues including Rang Badal Lo Bhai and adaptations of popular English plays such as Jaza, Saza and Raagni to name a few. Moreover, there was Dracula, a musical which was adapted from Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name. We also shouldn’t forget theatrical performance, titled Jaun, based on the works of one of the most prominent modern Pakistani poets, popular for his unconventional ways, Jaun Elia. However, there were some revolutionary theatrical productions that set new benchmarks in 2018. Instep gives you a lowdown on four plays. No Time To SleepThis is one theatre production that certainly stood out in 2018. No Time To Sleep featured actor and director Sarmad Khoosat who performed live for 24 hours and what an intense performance it was. No Time To Sleep was a collaboration with Justice Project Pakistan and was streamed online to raise awareness on a social issue - the capital punishment. The play was based on a real convict – Zulfiqar Ali Khan – who spent more than 15 years on death row for a crime he denied he committed. Directed by Kanwal Khoosat and produced by Iram Sana, No Time To Sleep was set inside a replica of an actual death row cell and portrayed what happens to prisoners 24 hours before execution, based on accounts of guards, former prisoners and their families.Sarmad Khoosat successfully managed to represent the most vulnerable and emotional state of Prisoner Z and delivered a performance of a lifetime. The performance as well as the entire concept generated immense praise for the actor and the entire team behind the production. Kyun NikalaLegendary playwright Anwar Maqsood and director Dawar Mehmood joined forces after a gap of almost three years for a political satire called Kyun Nikala. The theatrical production was all about political alliances between politicians prior to election in order to win as many votes as they can. Kyun Nikala had an extended, successful run in Karachi, followed by one in Lahore and Islamabad. The story was set at the house of a former Punjab Minister, Chaudhry, essayed by veteran TV and theatre actor Sajid Hasan. He brilliantly carried the play forward along with Mohsin Ejaz, who played the part of a Bengali chef, Mujeeb Bengali, who had been working for Chaudhry for quite some time and is more of a right hand man than domestic help. Both Hasan and Ejaz were effortless in their performances. The 90-minute long play received mixed to good reviews and followed the story of Chaudhry, who is presented with multiple offers from all of the political parties to join hands for the upcoming elections and how he lands into trouble once the results are announced. Jasoosi Duniya – Eik Comedy An adaptation of The Psychic by Sam Bobrick, Jasoosi Duniya was another intriguing play of 2018. Adapted and directed by Khalid Ahmed, the play marked actress Saman Ansari’s theatrical debut. Jasoosi Duniya was a murder mystery of sorts with a strong comic element to it. The engaging play followed the story of an aspiring writer called Adam, essayed by Hasan Raza, and his muse, Salma, essayed by Saman Ansari. The play featured different characters that come and go in between the first and last conversation between Adam and Salma. With elements of romance, deceit, suspense and comedy, every character added an exciting twist to the play. The best part about Jasoosi Duniya was the perfect comic timing and some remarkable and spontaneous performances by Nazar ul Hassan, who essayed the role of Johny Janbaaz and UK based artist Bazelah Mustafa, who played the part of Sebi. Jasoosi Duniya was indeed a treat to watch primarily because it broke away from typical comedies and political satires. Jhaanjar Di Paanwaan Chankaar Sarmad Khoosat not only co-directed Jhaanjar Di Paanwaan Chankaar (The Sound of my Anklet’s Bells) but also starred in the theatrical production alongside Samiya Mumtaz, Zain Afzal and Iman Shahid. Written by Saeed Rahman and Fatima Maan, and co directed by Kanwal Khoosat, the plot revolved around an actor Zaman (Sarmad Khoosat), who is shown to be working on a film. He plays someone who doesn’t conform to gender norms. Zain Afzal played the character of an aspiring musician and visually impaired Hamza, who lived next door to Zaman and both of them immediately hit it off after their first meeting. Zaman would do his dance routines [for the film] with Hamza and there was a different sort of chemistry between them. Samiya Mumtaz essayed the role of Hamza’s over protective and obsessive mother in the play. The story further developed when Hamza’s mother and Zaman come face to face. What made Jhaanjar Di Paanwaan Chankaar a must watch was its strong plot and equally commendable performances.

from The News International - Instep Today http://bit.ly/2RmKmkV