August 18, 2008	Monday	Sha'aban 15, 1429

KARACHI: Comedy is what is most needed these days for the citizens, who seem to be floundering in today’s political quagmire created by those at the helm of affairs. Nawab Sahib Kibla, a play directed by Usmaan Peerzada currently being staged at the Arts Council auditorium, gave 60 minutes of comic relief to the audience.

The play, written by Rafi Peer in 1936, is in the style of comedy of manners, made popular by dramatist Sheridan and his contemporaries in 19th century England.

An experiment in early modern Urdu drama, Rafi Peer wrote this play to teach young dramatists how to write sophisticated humour.

This was the time when plays were based on Agha Hashar’s dramas, who in turn was impressed by Shakespeare’s style. Rafi Peer’s play became an instant hit.

The story focuses on the decadent Nawab culture and feudalism existing at the time. Though times have changed, what makes it popular even today is its witty dialogue and the performance of the eccentric, though interesting characters set in simple situations. Presented by the Citizens Foundation in collaboration with the Rafi Peer Theatre, Nawab Sahib Kibla, which will run another four days, revolves around four characters, played by Mohammad Qavi Khan, Jawaid Rizvi, Mehreen Rafi and Usmaan Peerzada. The sets and lights have been arranged by Faizaan Peerzada.

It is a story about a nawab who does not mend his ways although his fortune is running out. He continues his debauched lifestyle, selling his property and ultimately is forced to sell his grand ancestral home to pay off the mehr to his latest divorced wife.

What he does not know is that his loyal and humble servant is the man who is buying his property secretly. The play ends on a didactic note with their roles reversing.

Though the story is simple, the power of the play lies in the strong dialogues. The playwright’s use of the Urdu language is remarkable.

Usmaan Peerzada, the man behind and on the scene, remarked that theatre should bring pleasure to the audience. “The play has to make a statement and purity is very important. The language in Nawab Sahib Kibla is poetic and literary and the style is modern.”

Qavi’s performance as Nawab Sahib was excellent and drew the majority of the laughs, although there were some poignant moments near the end of the play.

The setting was quaint and appropriate for the times.