SAHIWAL: A 45-minute long Punjabi play was performed at the Catholic Church here on Thursday which was more of a commentary on Pakistani society in context of the recent Youhanabad tragedy.

The play, named Ikwasay, is a satire on prevailing social conditions affected by bias and lack of respect for different beliefs and ideologies.

The play was written by Lakht Pasha and directed by Mamona Amjad and it was performed on invitation of the All Churches Council.

Ikwasay criticises “one-sided” narrative in Pakistani society at social and political and religious level. As a result of this narrative, each individual of society accepts only his/her own truth and deny others’. On the other hand, by adopting a collective approach and giving space to others, the society can nourish healthy traditions where different opinions were respected.

The play’s central character is “Boota” who symbolises humanity and argues one should not be biased in one’s opinion. He suffers at the hands of his beloved who leaves him for somebody else due to his social status.

The play was witnessed by more than 300 members of the Christian community.

Father Raphael Manga, focal person of the programme, said the purpose of organising the play was to sensitise people of the dangers of not giving space to others.

Those actors performed in play included Amir Sherazi, Fayyaz Hussain, Hafeezullah, Samina Afzal, Sajid Afzal, Abdur Rehman, Rashid, Babar Ali and Jamshed.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2015

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