Iqbal’s legacy takes centre stage in Islamabad’s theatrical extravaganza

Islamabad: In a dazzling celebration of Iqbal Day, the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) orchestrated a sold-out spectacle in Islamabad. The theatrical masterpiece, ‘Guest of Honor,’ directed by M. Waqar Azeem and scripted by Dr. Fouzia Farooq Ahmed, unfolded as a radiant musical comedy, paying homage to the profound legacy of Allama Iqbal.

Star-Studded Ensemble: The stage came alive with a stellar cast, led by Faran Rasool Bajwa embodying the enigmatic Iblees-i-Azam and Afza Chaudhry portraying the essence of Jahalat. Qa’an Ali's mastery depicted Negative Technology, while Ayesha Ayub evoked empathy as Muflisi (poverty). M. Waqas as Waswasa (doubt) and Hamid Nazir Daula as Jang (war) delivered performances that resonated with the audience, complemented by Abubakar Hussain's nuanced portrayal of the Third World character.

Philosophical Threads:The play intricately weaved Iqbal's philosophical constructs, drawing from works like ‘Iblees ki Majlis-i-Shura’ and ‘Shikwa.’ Meticulous attention to detail crafted a narrative that, despite its gravity, maintained a light-hearted ambiance, connecting profoundly with the audience.

Cultural Tapestry: The production's cultural vibrancy was heightened by traditional Punjabi melodies, infusing a regional flavor. Quick-witted humor embedded in dialogues and actions added charm, ensuring a delightful engagement throughout the performance.

Musical Reverie: Complementing the theatrical feast, a music program featured mesmerizing performances. Sana Nimat’s renditions of Iqbal's verses, Mehmoodah Qamar's soul-stirring presentation, and Muhammad Ali's captivating performance added a melodic layer to the celebration, earning fervent appreciation from the captivated audience.