‘Siachen’ excels in every domain of theatrical creativity

LAHORE

Anwar Maqsood and Daawar Mahmood’s immaculate creation ‘Siachen’, with every colour of theatrical constituents woven in meticulous proportion and delivered with flawless perfection, is a play one cannot (rather should not) have an excuse to miss.

Ever since ‘Moulin Rouge’, contemporary theatre has gained roots and created its audience in the country which encouraged a number of plays thoroughly enjoyed appreciated. However, every once in a while there comes along something that is exceptional in every domain of theatrical creativity - Siachen, is a play that effortlessly qualifies to be one of them. The play describes the challenges of serving at the merciless terrain and extreme weather at ‘Siachen’, yet this story of flirting with the colours of life while facing the 24/7 threat of death is crafted with the mastery of absolute wit, subtle satire and acerbic wit that had the audience bursting into spontaneous laughter at many times while being teary-eyed at others.

The way the writer and the director used the nine soldiers to bring to light the lives and love these soldiers leave behind and wish to be a part of while at the same time not willing to compromise their devotion to their patriotism is a treat of an experience for any audience.

The balance maintained by the creators was thoroughly commendable, be it satire, outright humour, drama, action or romance. The play never gave an outright impression of being political commentary, despite very subtly yet effectively being one at times. Neither was there ever a moment where one felt out of place humour or overdone drama. Keeping the patriotism and devotion purpose at the core, the play also touched the human side of a conflict where individuals at both sides suffer equally.  Although the writer director deserve kudos of the highest order the impact of ‘Siachen The play’ comes from the powerful performances of every single character that took to the stage. In fact, the performances were so original; it would not be exaggeration by any means if one would say that it never felt as if any of them were actually acting.

The inexplicable performance by Hasan Raza as the Bihari Indian soldier who accidentally walks into Pakistan territory was breathtaking and amusement galore. From the accent to the delivery, expression and even body gestures, Hasan owned the staged from the moment he stepped on it. Tanveer Zaman rocked as ‘Karim Khan’ a young soldier with rather simple to the extent of stupid yet pure and pious ideals was amazing. But then again, they were not the only ones, every single character, including Sa'ad Farrukh playing ‘Musa Khan’ the reluctant romantic and Hajra Yamin ‘The BBS journalist’, pulled off an absolutely engaging performance. While one would want to mention these characters for their acting brilliance, it would be rather unfair to downplay any other be it Zain Ghauri (Deen Muhammad), Sikander Vincent(Shahid Afridi), Umer Iqbal (Khwaja Asif), Mohsin Ejaz (Subaidar), Sajeel Miraj (Bahadur Ali), Abiola (Cookullah), Taha Humayun (Rehmat Ali), Summaiya Safa (Maa), Nosheen Rais and Subaina (sister of Bahadur Ali) all delivered a performance worthy of a standing ovation. A standing ovation it was at the end of the play and the audience rode amidst a roar of applause and deafening clap. The play will be staged every Saturday and Sunday till 15th of May.