Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan

Evolution of man through centuries chronicled in school play.


Express May 06, 2011



A play based on various facets of human evolution over the centuries was presented by Mazmoon-i-Shauq School Islamabad at the PNCA on Thursday.


Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan was a combined effort of students and staff of the school, with the strong guiding force of Indu Mitha.

The name Mazmoon-i-Shauq comes from the work of Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan deals with the issue of intolerance and discrimination which is rampant in society. The plight of the downtrodden and hypocrisy prevalent is highlighted in small, sharp scenes. The child actors have been able to convey the feeling of despair of a poor child watching rich children wasting away precious food and taking for granted all the good things life has given them.

The play starts with the creation of the universe and the formation of life on the planet. The scenes are a treat to watch as students put up a colourful and energetic show, turning the narration into a visual delight.

Covering the evolution of life over the centuries, the play reaches the first settled civilization of man. The stage comes alive with children dressed as Sumerians busy in the daily chores of common men.

Powerful civilizations such as the Egyptians and the Indus Valley are dramatized in very interesting scenes depicting Pharaohs’’ court and the mummification of deceased Pharaohs. Day-to-day life of the Indus Valley dwellers depicts their advanced way of life.

Interesting scenes from the Mughal Era and children’s classical singing Raag Adaana Ki Bahaar was a special treat. Scenes depicting the division of the Indian Sub-continent into two countries were very moving with the special audio and visual effects as were the scenes showing the separation of the East and West Pakistan in 1971. The latter part of the play mainly deals with the way our society has developed or deteriorated over the years, with the gap between rich and poor widening day by day.

The scene showing Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s first day at school gives a glimpse of the society at that time.

The play ends on a positive note. People like Abdul Sitar Edhi, Indu Mitha, who has dedicated her life for the promotion of classical dance, are a beacon of hope.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2011.

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