When writer Anwar Maqsood and director Dawar Mehmood collaborate, the outcome is almost always spectacular.
When writer Anwar Maqsood and director Dawar Mehmood collaborate, the outcome is almost always spectacular. After delivering several theatre hits like Pawnay 14 August, Sawa 14 August, Aangan Terrha, Haaf Playt and Dharna, the duo returned to the spotlight last year with Siachen - a play that reflects on the life of soldiers who defend their country in dangerous conditions – and stole the show by earning mostly positive reviews.
Siachen first made an appearance in Islamabad this past November and had a decent run. However, as it reached Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, it grew into a colossal hit. In the coming week, Siachen is all set to earn the honour of being the most successful play to have been staged in the city. Prior to Siachen’s rise to the top, the record was held by Aangan Terrha (which is also a Kopykats production). The way things are moving for Siachen, the play will complete 101 shows later this week (February 26) at the Arts Council and by the time it concludes on February 29, it will have record 104 shows.
Unlike Aangan Terrha that featured an all-star cast like Yasir Hussain, Hareem Farooq, Talal Jilani and Khalifa Sajeeruddin among others – the cast of Siachen is primarily made up of newcomers.
Only theatre aficionados would recognise the name of Mohsin Ejaz (who produced Sultana Daku and Laakhon Main Teen and appeared as a security guard in Wajahat Rauf’s Karachi Se Lahore) who essays the role of one of the soldiers posted to Siachen within the play. The rest of this ensemble cast comprises of actors who are newcomers. The lack of experience, however, doesn’t keep any of them from delivering impeccable performances. Some dialogues sound diluted as a result of the overwhelming applause the cast generates every time but that’s pardonable.
To lend authenticity to their roles, the cast spent two months together in a locked room with zero external interaction with the outside world. They also spent some time visiting Siachen in reality.
One reason why Siachen is so popular is cause of the combined power of Maqsood & Mehmood. Anwar Maqsood’s dialogues play with the audience’s emotions and brings out laughter and tears in equal proportion. Dawar Mehmood must be commended for creating an icy atmosphere and the set designed by writer/director/actor Yasir Hussain adds to the frosty environment.
The character of Bihari makes people laugh out loud and while it was initially performed by Yasir Hussain, the Karachi innings was dominated by Hasan Raza who spoke, acted and looked the part.
The play heads to the UAE next month where it will be staged at the Centrepoint Theater, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates from March 17 to March 19. From there, it moves to Lahore for the period between April 22 and May 10, circa 2016 as Al Hamra Arts Council will play host to the popular theatre play.
– Omair Alavi is a freelance broadcast journalist and can be contact at omair78@gmail.com
Director Dawar Mehmood reflects on the journey so far
“It took us almost 17 actors and 20 crew members to beat Yasir Hussain’s 100 shows. I never thought it would be possible for me to break the record of Aangan Terrha but Siachen has managed to achieve the impossible. I hope that people who are doing theatre also raise the bar. Then, we can have a competition.”
The jump from theatre to cinema may happen for Dawar but he maintans that when it happens, it will be different.
“My film will not have Fair and Lovely nor will it rest on the laurels of an item song. It will be entertaining as opposed to films that depict women crying and being beaten at the hands of their spouse.”
