Marking Saman Ansari’s theatrical debut, the Khalid Ahmed directorial is a murder mystery that will leave you in awe.
In Pakistan, very few theatre plays are performed each year and only some of them are able to make a mark. The last one and a half months saw a riveting run of Anwar Maqsood’s latest play Kyun Nikala at the Arts Council in Karachi and this month, we have another theatre play running at NAPA. Titled Jasoosi Duniya, the play has been adapted and directed by Khalid Ahmed; it premiered at NAPA on October 3.
An extremely engaging and interesting watch, Jasoosi Duniya received a standing ovation post its first show that was performed to a packed audience.
An adaptation of The Psychic by Sam Bobrick, Jasoosi Duniya is a murder mystery with a strong comic element that makes it intriguing. The play, that will run from October 4 till October 13, at Zia Mohyeddin Theatre, NAPA, is a must-watch as it hits just all the right notes. A tight script, unpredictable plot and superb performances hold one’s interest throughout the two-hour-long play.
Jasoosi Duniya follows the story of an aspiring writer Adam, essayed by the very talented Hasan Raza, and his muse Salma, played by the effervescent Saman Ansari who makes her theatrical debut with the play. Set at Adam’s house, the play features multiple characters who visit and leave in between the first and last conversation between Adam and Salma. It incorporates elements of love, romance, deceit, comedy, suspense and thrill as it proceeds, with almost every character adding an interesting twist to the story.
Saman is an incredible actor with popular TV projects such as Dar Si Jati Hai Sila and Khaani to her credit while she is gearing up for another upcoming TV play, Romeo Weds Heer. Given that Jasoosi Duniya is her first theatre play, she has done a commendable job performing live for a good two hours with most scenes featuring her. Clad in a plain maroon silk sari, the character of Salma required her to be intelligent, witty, sensual and sensitive at the same time, and she pulled it off with ease.
However, it wasn’t just her but several other actors as well who impressed with their terrific comic timing and delivery. The most notable among them was Nazar ul Hassan, a brilliant artist who essayed the role of Johnny Janbaaz; he was spontaneous, witty and simply remarkable. UK based Pakistani writer and director Bazelah Mustafa as Sebi also brought her A-game to the fore, though her part might appear too bold to some viewers. Hasan Raza as Adam was effortless as he showcased a range of emotions throughout the play.
Reflecting on Jasoosi Duniya, director of the play Khalid Ahmed, who teaches theatre at NAPA, shared, “West is known for producing brilliant comic scripts, unlike us who mostly rely on one-liners when it comes to comedy. Therefore, when I read this play by Sam Bobrick, I fell in love with his brilliance, depth and his skill as a dramatist, and decided to adapt it for viewers in Pakistan.”
Jasoosi Duniya is a treat to watch and offers a break from romantic comedies, political satires and issue-based narratives. However, a chunk of viewers in Pakistan may not appreciate some bold dialogues and scenes even though they add a strong comic element to the play.
