ISLAMABAD: Theatre has become a dying art in Pakistan due to a number of reasons including advancements in digital media, shrinking spaces for liberal art and mainly neglect from the state and society.

In this situation, a new theatre start-up called ‘Swaang’ has emerged on the landscape of the capital. Established by sisters Sanobar Nazir and Kanwal Ajmal last year, the group has so far been able to produce two plays, rekindling hope for the revival of theatre.

The group’s latest play Sau Saal Ki Kahani was refreshing and a source of healthy entertainment for families. It was an adaptation of the fairytale Sleeping Beauty. Conceived and produced by Sanobar Nazir and directed by Safeerullah Khan, the play was staged on June 4 and 5 at Shah Abdul Lateef Bhittai Community Centre’s auditorium.

The aim of producing the play was to provide a platform to youth so they could showcase their talent, said Ms Sanobar.

She has been associated with the Dastak Group when broadcaster Aslam Azhar (late) and Mansoor Saeed (late) were leading the group in Karachi in the late 80s.

The performance, dialogue delivery and confidence of actors, some of whom are new, was commendable. The actors drew out laughter and applause from the audience with their catchy dialogue delivery and body language.

Playwright and columnist Mohammad Nafees said: “Despite being a fairytale-type story, the play had all the ingredients of entertainment for children and adults.”

“The dedication of the whole team is evident from the level of excellence each segment of the play has exhibited. Every performer did his or her best to justify the role. It demonstrates expertise of the director towards executing his job. From the costume to set design, from lighting to sound system, and above all, the makeup was up to the mark,” Mr Nafees said.

There were however, certain points where the actors spoke too fast and seemed to lose sight of their characters but overall, it was a very entertaining play that can be watched more than once.

Some of the dialogues were powerful, hinting at the current political situation of the country.

About the theme of the play, Safeerullah Khan said the storyline had a message: violence begets violence and forgiveness is a great virtue. When the evil spirit, at the end of the play was overpowered and the courtiers demand to put her behind bars for life, the kind-hearted king says, “We eliminate the power, not the person who has committed the crime.”

Problems should be solved through dialogue and people can overcome challenges by collective efforts instead of waiting for a messiah, he said.

Khayyam Mushir, an accountant and columnist, said: “It was a wonderful experience. A play with a lot of heart, totally unpretentious.”

Actors who played the lead and supporting roles were: Niaz Aziz, Wasif Naqvi, Maria, Begum Jan, Zia Khan, Beenish and Nadia Nafees.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2022