RAWALPINDI: A play on domestic violence, empowerment of women and education, titled ‘Iss Diye ko Jalne Do’, was staged at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC).

The performance was organised by the Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the RAC. Many arrived at the RAC auditorium to watch the first performance by the Lahore-based organisers.

The play was written by Ejaz Rizvi and directed by Tipu Sultan. Poetry by Fatima Hassan, Yasmin Hameed and Mansoora Ahmed was also used in the production.

The cast included Aslam Sheikh, Shujaat Haider, Yusra Anwar, Saud Butt, Abdul Wakeel, Feroz Butt, Urwa Hayat, Ali Hyder, Rabia and Ehtesham.

The play highlighted the barriers to equal education, and discussed gender discrimination, insecurity and outdated customs and traditions. The production discusses the ways in which women are held back from receiving an education and excelling in arts.

The play also discusses domestic violence, and other societal issues facing women.

The audience commended the play and the message.

“It’s been a long time since I watched a theatre production without vulgar jokes and stupid dialogues,” Sajjad Khan said. Abdullah Sheikh, another audience member, said the play was good, but said that the RAC should invite prominent actors to star in their plays to increase attendance.

RAC Resident Director Waqas Ahmed said that the RAC organised the play so it could provide more leisure activities to Islamabad and Rawalpindi citizens.

He said that the audience’s response is encouraging. He said that this play attempted to convey a meaningful message alongside entertainment.

The production will continue from August 28 to August 30.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2015

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