‘Jago Pakistan’: Southshore wins Foundation Public inter-school drama competition

KARACHI:

The Arts Council theatre drew its curtains to allow students from six different schools to use their wit and passion to highlight the problems of society.

The Foundation Public School’s (FPS) second inter-school drama competition held on Thursday was attended by Beaconhouse School System PECHS A’ Level, DA Public School, Foundation School O’ Level, Beacon Light Academy, The City School and Southshore. From conceiving the idea, to writing and then acting - these 15-minute plays truly reflected the students’ efforts.

Southshore School for A’ Level Studies, which was participating for the first time, bagged the first position for its play ‘Jago Pakistan’ that focused on patriotism and how young people are often distracted from its duties.

Director Hasnain Asghar, who played the main role, came on to the stage in khakis and delivered a memorable performance as a soldier. It came as little surprise when he won the award for best performance.

The City School boys, who secured the second prize for their witty performance in ‘Jutt Lines Thana’, complained that they had to select a theme without girls because they are an all-boys school. “Girls can act as boys but we cannot truly act like them,” said one of the boys. ‘Jutt Lines Thana’, based on corruption in different institutions of the country, had the audience in fits of laughter with its Punjabi punch lines.

The third place was secured by Beacon Light Academy’s ‘Pakistan Hazir Ho’, which highlighted the current state of the country and the people responsible for it.

FPS arts, theatre and English teacher Asma Khan, who directed the host school’s ‘Post Modern Mime’, said that taking part in drama and theatre at this stage of life is very important for students as they develop the body language and an aura of their own by making public appearances. The FPS performance drew a lot of applause from the audience when it showed the seven deadly sins that most teenagers fall into without realising they are sins.

Furqan Rafique, draped in black and with his face painted black and white to signify the sins, agreed that in comparison to other co-curricular activities, acting is the most beneficial. “This is one form of expression that tests and prepares you in everything - acting, debating, interacting, conferencing,” he said.

The judges Karachi University Department of English Prof Amberina Kazi, and actor and director Adarsh Ayaz praised the level of coordination in the acts. “It’s not just the performances but the process and creative activity that are of importance,” said Ayaz. “Education is not complete without such activities,” Kazi added.

Students from schools not participating in the event also came to cheer for their friends. “It’s good to see our friends act and deliver some messages to our society,” said Batool, a student of the Convent of Jesus and Mary.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2011.