Cultural tribute to Pakistan planned at Sadler’s Wells

LONDON: A non-profit cultural organisation has organised a historic tribute to Pakistan and its cultural legacy in English at Sadler’s Wells to mark 70 years of Pakistan’s independence.

SERENDIP announced that it will be bring over leading Pakistani musicians and artists for the brand new Sufi musical – ISHQ – which will be performed next month at the prestigious venue, featuring a combination of classical and modern dance with a unique blend of poetry and fusion music.

A SERENDIP production, an international award winning organisation, is bringing this show to London in collaboration with The Pakistan High Commission and the Ministry of Change to mark 70 years of Pakistan's independence. The play is being organised in partnership with Geo TV Network and Jang Group of Newspapers.

SERENDIP announced that it will bring over leading Pakistani musicians and artists for the Sufi musical – ISHQ – which will be performed next month at Sadler's Well, a prestigious venue in London. This musical show features a combination of classical and modern dance with a unique blend of poetry and fusion music.

The story of Heer Ranjha is folklore that has been around for over 600 years. Later, Waris Shah, a sufi saint, penned his version. ISHQ the Musical has been written by Mushfiq Murshed and is a distinct version and adaptation of the story of Heer Ranjha. It is a spiritual journey disguised in a love story and the spiritual/mystical connotations behind the relationships of two main protagonists and multiple antagonists. The core theme is of separation and the desire to be reunited with the beloved.

In essence ISHQ is also the story of a woman who challenged a patriarchal society and shook it to its roots, of the suppression of woman in a monastic system and the status that Islam gave to women.

SERENDIP’s Managing Director Huma Beg mentioned that Pakistan High Commission had invited her organisation to put together the event that, she hoped, will be a fitting tribute to Pakistan and its cultural legacy. This will be a first time opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its theatrical talent in English on centre stage in London - a city known for its vibrant culture.

ISHQ’s Director Farooq Beg commented: “This musical is not just a romance but is a co-creation of Eastern and Western talent to create new sounds and moves, something that so symbolises Britain of today."

Rehearsals of the event have already started at the Redbridge drama centre in South Woodford before they move in the final week to Sadler's Well. Artists who are already in London are Ahsan Khan, Fahad Mirza, Rachael Vicajee, Suhaee Abro and Adnan Jaffer.