ISLAMABAD, Feb 3: The hour long Diary was an emotional roller coaster, excellently portrayed by actors, as the play felt real and at times uncomfortable like peeping into someone’s life.
The hour flew by when Diary produced by Gravity Production hit the stage Wednesday night at the National Art Gallery, with writer and director Yasira Rizvi ably supported by the design team and assistant directors.
Diary is the story of a woman who must lose all touch with reality and the outside world before she could forgive herself and hope to be forgiven by others for unknowingly choosing love over life. It resonates deeply with anyone facing the dilemma of having to pick between the material and the meaningful – what one ought to do and what one wanted.
Gul Mazhar and Suleman Sunny handled their lighter roles with considerable talent, especially Fahim Azam filling in the blank as the ghostly writer Ramis.
But the highlight of the evening was Yasira Rizvi as Veera – desperate for love and approval that her husband withheld.
She made Veera’s response to Mansoor’s rejection a vicarious experience for rapt audience. “At times I almost forgot to breathe because I was so caught up in the story and magnificent dances,” said Saima Omar, admiring the skill which, according to her, was way more than expected.
Some in the audience thought this was one of her best stage performances – delicate and shatteringly vulnerable.
“Watching them exhibit their extraordinary talent is like a cause for hope in times when we are most concerned about our national future,” said Rana Munir, a senior consultant, in a multi-national firm.
Mohsin Ejaz brought a sweetness and warmth to his role as Mansoor. Those who know Ejaz as a wise cracking comedian could not believe him playing a serious role – so serious that he didn’t even utter a single word until the last few minutes. Nobody could have carried so much of the baggage he did – with impressive professionalism and authority.
Lighting and set design were perfect for display of performers, the sound excellent and the quality of musical selections pleased the ears.
The impressively detailed set of Veera and Mansoor’s house was dominated by decorations complementing bamboo furniture and candles, reinforcing the sympathetic and indifference of the play’s mood.
The crowd spent the night falling in love with Saima Khushnood’s dances on compositions of Nahid Akhtar’s “Chaap Tilak” and “Allah”, sung live by Shahida Kiran sitting behind the thin veil with her musicians. The play will run till February 7.