NAPA announces two plays for July | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

NAPA announces two plays for July

One of the plays “Mantorama” is a tribute to Saadat Hasan Manto . PHOTO: AYESHA MIR / EXPRESS
KARACHI:

After gaining huge success for their director’s festival in April, the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) is planning a comeback in July with two more plays: “Mantorama”, a tribute to Saadat Hasan Manto as part of his centenary celebrations, and “Kamla”, an unconventional social drama. This was announced at a press conference organised by Napa on Monday.

“We always try to provide a platform to young actors and directors. That is why both the plays are being directed and acted out by our own graduates,” said Zain Ahmed, who heads the special programmes at Napa. Written by Khurram Shafique and directed by Sunil Shankar, “Mantorama” is a biography of Manto’s life. “It is not a very conventional piece at all. More than Manto’s life, we are trying to portray his imagination,” said Shankar.

The second play, “Kamla”, is written by Indian director Vijay Tendulkar and directed by Mesum Naqvi.“It addresses issues such as journalistic practices and the state of human rights,” said Naqvi. “Unfortunately, the play leaves the audience with more questions than answers.”
Ashan Iqbal Bari, a Napa graduate, said the incorporation of live music in the plays will be something the audience should look forward to. “I am a classically-trained musician with a number of Western influences… what will come out will be an interesting amalgamation of both. We can call it a contemporary rendition of classical music,” said Bari.

“Mantorama” will be performed from July 5 to July 9 whereas “Kamla” will run from July 12 to July 15. Both plays will take place at the Karachi Arts Council.

Express Tribune