ISLAMABAD: The latest theatre play of living legend and veteran satirist Anwar Maqsood, titled “House Arrest” will be staged in Islamabad after Eidul Fitr.

The play was originally to be staged in Karachi, but due to other commitments of the Karachi Arts Council, the play has to be stopped after four shows.

“Since it was not possible to leave the play in between, it was decided to move it to Islamabad”, Anwar Maqsood told a group of reporters here. He stated that this play will provide entertainment to the residents of the twin cities and show will continue for at least a month in Islamabad.

He said although the name of this play is House Arrest, it does not include any political satire. “It does not include the name of any political party, any institution or any specific entity,” he said. Mr Maqsood said that the play was actually an unusual story about a boy who had locked his mother, the owner of the house, in one of its rooms, along with her cousin.

He said he first named the drama Ghar No: 804, but President Arts Council of Pakistan, Mohammad Ahmad Shah, asked him to change it. “Then I came up with the title Extension, he again rejected it. Shah Sahib suggested I come up with something related to marriages. So I said let’s name the play Adiala Bana Aya Re, He turned down that as well. Finally, we settled on House Arrest, the thing is, it’s a simple story, not against anyone, I hope audience will enjoy it,” he said.

Mr Maqsood said that Dawar Mahmood will be directing this play and also the play will bring laughter to the audience. He added that this will be one of the best plays in country’s history.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2025