ISLAMABAD: Olomopolo Media is officially showcasing its hit theatrical production Both Sit In Silence For a While featuring renowned actors Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) here from Feb 10.

The play is a dark comedy written, directed, and co-produced by Ali Junejo. Having garnered great success in Karachi and Lahore, the play is now being performed in Islamabad, with the collaboration of the European Union (EU).

The play guarantees spectators an edge-of-your-seat experience they would not want to miss, said one of the organisers.

Mr Junejo started his career as a theatre artist in Karachi. His previous performances include, Waiting for Godot, Dead End and Equus. He then made his film debut in Saim Sadiq’s international award-winning film Joyland, bagging two best actor awards.

Rasti Farooq, who acts alongside Junejo and is also the co-producer of this play said: “Both Sit In Silence For A While tickles that part of my brain that wants to see people be unreasonable and merciless with one another because often times that’s the place where most of us hide in our most private moments. It’s been a supreme joy traversing that space with Ali.”

Applauded for her commendable acting, Farooq has performed in various plays and short films including Stand Alone, Gidh and May I Have This Seat?. She made her feature film debut with Junejo in Joyland.

Co-producer Kanwal Khoosat said: “Join us for when words are more than we wanted yet less than what we need.”

On the collaboration, Dr Riina Kionka, the ambassador of the EU to Pakistan said: “The EU supports art and culture in Pakistan and globally as part of our commitment to promoting cultural diversity and fostering mutual understanding between people of different backgrounds.

“We believe that it can help foster a sense of shared identity and belonging, to build bridges between different communities based on mutual recognition and respect.”

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2023