PESHAWAR: Various aspects of the life of noted writer and academician Prof Jahanzeb Niaz were highlighted through a Pashto play to motivate youth for adopting his vision to achieve high targets.

The play was staged here on Saturday in Nishtar Hall. Scripted and directed by senior playwright Noorul Bashar Naveed, the show attracted a large number of families, literati and students.

The live performance coincided with world teacher’s day with the theme ‘valuing teacher voices’ for the year 2024 towards a new social contract for education. Prof Jahanzeb Niaz (1927-2015) was professor at Pashto department, University of Peshawar.

The performance was staged under the auspices of Niaz Pakhto Adabi Sangar (NPAS) to mark ninth death anniversary of Prof Jahanzeb Niaz, a noted Pashto writer, research scholar and educationist. After a long time Nishtar Hall, the lone city theatre, witnessed live performance with participants being filled with excitement and enthusiasm.

Around 30 artists, including senior performers, performed different roles in the play titled “Soor Speen Sarhay” (a robust and sturdy man). The performance lasted for three hours, featuring three generations and three distinct periods of Niaz’s life.

Lone theatre of Peshawar witnesses live performance after a long time

Shazma Aqeel, Zahida Tanha, Said Rahman Sheenu, Abid Khan and Fahmeed khan were among the seasoned artists’ troupe. The performers received great applause from the jam-packed hall for their engaging and lively performance. The event was opened with a Pashto ghazal by Fayyaz Khan Kheshgi.

The play showcased three distinct periods of the late writer -- student life, adulthood and span of his career life when he immensely contributed to Pashto language and literature.

It is pertinent to mention that Mr. Niaz was the maternal nephew of Bacha Khan. He lived an eventful life and influenced young poets and writers through his powerful writings.

Prof Aseer Mangal, president of NPAS, in his opening remarks said the stage play was presented with an objective to highlight selfless services of Prof Niaz for Pashto and Pashtun society at large. He added that he was a dynamic personality with a clear vision.

Playwright Mr Naveed said he tried his best to bring out main features of the late writer’s life and works through character roles on the stage. He said that such live performances on other literary figures should also be staged.

Dr Kazim Niaz, son of Prof Jahanzeb Niaz and patron-in- chief of NPAS on the occasion remarked that performers absorbed character roles to depict life sketch of his legendary father in a befitting manner.

Amjad Ali Khadim, general secretary of NPAS, said tha authorities concerned should encourage live performances by engaging senior and cub performers to provide entertainment to local audience.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2024