theatre
Theatre has been an integral part of the rich cultural tradition of the Subcontinent, which has been synonymous with the region’s folk tradition characterised by music and dance. If we talk about Pakistani theatre specifically, a number of genres and forms have been incorporated for the purpose of entertainment and seeking life lessons out of them. Comedy, tragedy, musical, fringe theatre and melodrama are a few examples of the kind of theatre plays we often go to watch. However, a few forms of stories are also presented as theatrical art to audiences as they can either relate to those as a childhood memory or something close to their heart.
One such form is Arabian Nights Stories which are the most famous literary product of a classical Islamic Civilisation that was formed through a merging of Arabic culture and the great imperial traditions of the eastern Mediterranean and the Persian empire of the Sassanians. Ironically, the work was not widely accepted as serious literature by the intellectual and literary elite of the Islamic world. This rejection reflects the Quran’s condemnation of fictional narratives as lying. However, art shouldn’t be associated with any other thing but information, knowledge and entertainment.
Keeping this in mind, famous childhood story ‘Ali Baba Chalis Chor’ was recently performed at Karachi Arts Council. The interactive performance given by the actors, the tight-knit plot, storyline, catchy songs and fun choreography kept not only the children but also the adults glued to their seats. A few instances in the play also left everyone laughing and cheering.
It may be noted that Ali Baba Chalis Chor was also performed in ‘Bachpan Ke Rung’ - a festival held at NAPA, Karachi, in September 2019 - and received much appreciation and applause. The play was selected among 50 other plays for this festival.
The famous childhood bedtime story of Ali Baba Chalis Chor has been adapted and directed by Umair Rafiq with narration by Zain Qureshi. The fabulous performance by the cast Muneeb Baig as Ali Baba, Shabana Hassan as Marjina, Faraz Ali as Babloo Al Bubblegum, Aqeel Ahmed as Qasim, Sehrish Qadir as bhabhi, executed in association with BlackBox Productions and collaboration with Green Eye Production, took the audience on an adventure.
While speaking on the premiere night, Umair Rafiq of Green Eye Production - an entertainment house for theatre, films and TV - said, “It gives me immense pleasure to see both kids and adults enjoying our efforts so much! I think there is a need to bring back the Arabian Nights to our people and to inculcate theatre-going habits in our children. We hope to take this play to other cities as well.”
The play will be running for public at Arts Council Auditorium, Karachi till December 5th, 2019. Tickets are available at NAPA, Kababist (Shahra-e-Faisal) and Cafe Bogie (I. I. Chundrigar Road).
–– Iqra Sarfaraz