KARACHI Aug 16: Featuring a cast of seasoned actors who haven’t performed on stage for around 22 years, Habib Mamoon, an adaptation of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, will open at the Arts Council here on August 24.A tragicomedy, the play is directed and produced by Zia Mohyeddin and the adaptation has been done by Zahida Zaidi.

It is being presented by The Citizens Foundation (TCF) in collaboration with the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa).

Habib Mamoon is set in pre-partition Lucknow, which the organisers and the cast of the play believe will make it more relevant to local audiences.

The cast includes Rahat Kazmi who will be playing the lead role, Arshad Mahmud as the ailing professor Kalimuddin, Talat Hussain, Zaheen Tahira, Jehanara Hai and will feature the theatre debut of Aymen Ali.

Rahat Kazmi said that he considers Chekhov’s plays as having a universal appeal, transcending cultural and time-specific boundaries. He also stressed upon the fact that the story-line was very complex and would require serious attention while it is being performed.

The cast, all of whom are well-known television personalities and renowned for their theatrical skills, will be coming together on stage after a 22-year gap.

About performing after such a long time Rahat Kazmi said he was concerned about not being equipped with the same energy and memory as he was during his younger days.

Arshad Mahmud simply commented that after having spent a considerable period critiquing other peoples’ performances, they shouldn’t rob themselves of the pleasure of receiving some criticism in return.

Opening at the Arts Council on Aug 24, the play will run for a full 10 days with the final performance on September 2.

The proceeds from the play will go to TCF.