KARACHI: Humour is a universal language. Like Virginia Woolf put it – “the beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish”. As far as theatre is concerned, comedy and humour is an effective way of putting messages across. Although one cannot take just about everything and say it in a humorous way or through comedy, but it definitely has an impact. With more and more theatre groups comprising the young from all around Pakistan coming up with interesting theatrical productions one after the other.

Week after week, private school, college or university based theatre groups are putting up plays in both Urdu and English.

Students of the A-Level Section of The City School PAF Chapter celebrated their Annual function, ‘Extravaganza – 2007’, incorporating music and humorous theatre pieces at the Royal Rodale. Under the banner, ‘Cascade Productions’, the students presented two plays, one in English Jack Ka Pakistan and the other in Urdu Uf Shohar Bechara, both scripted and directed by the students under their teachers’ supervision.

Jack Ka Pakistan was an out and out satire with a number of humorous situations interwoven in the main plot. The story is set sometime in the future, revolving around the main character, Jehanzaib Khan, nicknamed Jack, a British teenager of Pakistani origin. Jehanzaib is a victim of racism which emerged openly after the 9/11 incident. He has heard a lot about his parents’ native country and to rediscover his roots and his true identity, he decides to visit Pakistan. However, he is terribly disillusioned when he comes across people who are either wannabees or pseudo-Americans or self-centred escapists who want to leaves this country.

The one act Urdu play is about a hen-pecked husband, Mirza Ashiq Ali Baig who is prompted by his friends and nephew to rebel against his wife’s domination. When his wife leaves town for a couple of days, Mirza decides to celebrate by calling his friends over. While Mirza and his friends are partying, his wife walks in and catches them red-handed.

Though entertaining, the Urdu play lagged in dialogue delivery and spontaneity. The terms and phrases, along with the choice and deliverance of Urdu words were average.

Theatre, whether serious or humorous, is to be taken up more sincerely and passionately. Studying theatre and the performing arts develops aesthetics, which in turn helps develop an appreciation for the arts. Before stepping into the world of theatrical dynamics, producers, directors and actors should have a critical know-how of various theatrical techniques and the basics. The evening was high on laughs. The students should be appreciated for all the hard work they put. Managing studies and extra curricular activities together. Although some of the performances lacked spontaneous improvisation, the evening sailed smoothly. And like they say, saving grace of humour is, if you fail no one is laughing at you.—By Rabail Qadeer Baig