Arts Council’s International Theatre Festival begins in Karachi
KARACHI: The Pakistan Theatre Festival, with an international representation of theatre groups organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, opened on Friday evening with a double bill presented by the popular film, TV, and stage actor and director Salman Shahid.
Written and directed by Mr. Shahid himself, the two plays were titled Abdullah and Patriot.
The first, Abdullah, is a satirical study of the well-heeled and their treatment of those in their service, as well as the latter’s attitude to servitude. It focuses on Saima (Yusra Irfan) and Zara (Asma Niaz). The former has a servant named Abdullah (Omar Cheema). With a minimalistic approach to set design, it’s a concise play that mainly
rests on the dialogic exchange between the two women and one man.
It focuses on class disparity through the lens of hypocrisy among the high and mighty. They use those in the lower echelon if and when required. The servant is none of either. He is aware of the goings-on and acts the way he pleases. The
Despite all that, the script doesn’t let the socioeconomic disparity diminish or dissolve.
The second offering, Patriot, has radicalism at its core. Shanawar Butt, Shah Fahad, and Omar Cheema play the protagonists. Again, like Abdullah, the set has no frills because the story depends on the script, which has Butt and Fahad engaged in a discussion against the backdrop of the events of 9/11. The name of Osama is also thrown into the mix. But the lines suggest that the central characters are not uncouth. They are aware of what’s happening around them, and when they get involved, their reactions become predictable despite the discursive nature of their conversations.
Patriot has a Pintersque feel, and Abdullah keeps things simple.
While the actors on Friday did a decent job, their voice projection left much to be desired. The hall was packed for the first piece, and those sitting in the seats at the entrance side of the hall couldn’t hear the dialogue properly. Also, one felt that Patriot could have been lengthened to have a more holistic view of the subject.
Earlier, the festival began with a red carpet ceremony graced by the festival participants. It lasted a couple of hours, after which the guests were taken to the auditorium to watch the plays. Before that could happen, the president of the Arts Council Karachi, Ahmed Shah, and governors of Punjab and Sindh delivered speeches.
Source: Dawn
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