Lok Virsa brings ‘Dara’ on screen

Aijaz Gul

Islamabad

Director: Nadia Fall 3

Script: Shahid Nadeem

Adaptation: Tanya Ronde

Production: Anwar Akhtar

Lok Virsa Film Club brings British National Theatre Production of Ajoka's stage play ‘Dara’ on screen in Media Centre, today (Saturday) at 6 pm.

The time is 1659. Two Mughals at the end of Mughal Empire. This is a battle for succession between Prince Dara Shikoh and his brother Aurangzeb. Together they would shape the modern day history of Pakistan and India. This has been adapted from 2010 play ‘Dara’ by Shahid Nadeem and played several times under Ajoka Theatre by Madeeha Gauhar with her husband Shahid Nadeem.

The filmed version moves between past and present and then merges into each other, changing time and place which becomes its highlights. Screens are used to indicate the change. As for our two central characters, Zubin Varia is seen as ‘Dara’ who adores music and poetry. In Spite of going for ‘sufism’, ‘Dara’ respects all religions. He preaches tolerance, love and mysticism. Things at the other end of the scale are different with Aurangzeb played by Sargon Yelda, He is downright diehard fundamentalist. As the phrase goes ‘Aus ney na koi namaz chori aur na koi bhai’.

The best part comes when Prince ‘Dara is brought before the shariah court in Delhi and is forced to prove what he is not. This is one-sided sham court proceedings where ‘Dara’ is forced and accused for his liberal views, wearing a cross, coming out with open confession that all religions are equal. He goes for tolerance. Who cares which door you open. The light comes from everywhere. The only message ‘Dara’ comes out with is love, respect and understanding for humanity.

The stage production is impressive. The set design with marble arches and corners are at their best. Remember their father Shahjahan played the magic with marble-Taj Mahal. The other memorizing ingredients of Dara are colorful wardrobe and selection of appropriate music.

— aijazzgul@gmail.com