Dhanka Arts’ modern take on Heer Ranjha wins hearts

NAPA International Performing Arts Festival 2019 is presently running at NAPA and is scheduled to end on March 31. One of the performances that recently took center-stage was an adaptation of Heer Ranjha, with a modern take - narrated from Heer’s perspective.Titled Heer, the act was directed by Zain Ahmed and Bakhtawar Mazhar with music by Nigel Bobby. Music and dance was integral to the narrative as it helped create the mood and complemented the contemporary perspective on the folktale.Featuring Hajra Yamin, Shabana Hassan, Syeda Maha Ali, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Vajdaan Shah and Zashane Malik in key roles, Heer offered a much needed commentary on what it is like to fall in love today, how it alters a young woman’s life and what are some of her concerns. Whether she is able to fight for what she desires or ends up surrendering to societal and familial pressures are issues that are tackled in Heer. The narrative also incorporates the perspective of three middle-aged women, who are married and settled, as they reflect on their lives.All in all, a hilarious and meaningful production, it had the viewers in fits of laughter. All these women who shared their perspective on falling in love, men and living on their own terms did a great job with their expressions and body language. However, the pure Urdu language used in the play was difficult to decode for many at various instances.

from The News International - Instep Today https://ift.tt/2I5ja5r