RAWALPINDI: A musical titled Madness was performed at the Punjab Council of the Arts Rawalpindi on Sunday.

The play was written and directed by Suraj Arman Khan. It is a fable woven around current socio-political issues about a dream, a joke and bizarre consequences.

The cast includes Ali Qasim, Shahrukh Khan, Ahad Ramzan, Shanzay Aslam, Kainat Naveed, Bilawal Ali, Salman, Mohammad Noor Khan, Asfandyar Khattak, Azhar Qayyum, Ahtisham, Shah Taj, Saleema Jutt and Aleena.

The play was set in a psychiatric facility and featured patients and doctors. The writers used comedy as a vehicle to highlight today’s societal issues. The audience praised the show and its message.

Sohail Khan, who watched the play, said: “I have seen a message-based play in the theatre without vulgar jokes and stupid dialogues after a long time.”

Satellite Town resident Mohammad Imran said the play captured people’s attention and that theatre needs to be revived.

Ahmed Malik said the the council should arrange theatre shows for families with good stories and actors. He praised the play, but added that the council should invite prominent actors to attract viewers.

The council’s resident director, Waqar Ahmed, said the play was an accurate picture of society.

He said the response of residents to theatrical performances was encouraging despite the presence of different entertainment channels. He said people would come to the theatre if they are provided better entertainment opportunities.

He said a meaningful message was conveyed through Madness and more such shows will be held at the RAC in the coming week.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2019