All aboard the Eloquent Express: A journey through the ages

From tiny Shah Jehans to moon walking,  The City School’s event had it all.

KARACHI:

In just one day, the students of The City School Gulshan Junior E travelled the Stone Age up to the 2020 in the ‘Eloquent Express 2011’ event at the Arts Council on Saturday.

As proud parents looked on, the children capered across the stage, their clothes transitioning from leaves and rags to low-slung jeans in the fashion show. Performances also included plays, music and dances - Indian and Michael Jackson’s records represented the ‘70s and ‘90s. Miniature Mughals, decked in jewellery, silk saris and sherwanis had the audience enraptured.

The show came together after two weeks of rigorous practice. Adeena, who participated in the fashion show and music group, talked to The Express Tribune. “My teacher encouraged me to come forward and perform on the stage in front of a big crowd, including my mother and elder sister,” she said.

Raheena, a teacher, explained how shows such as this one are an integral part of a child’s development. “We include all the students in at least one item, it helps their confidence. Shy and hesitant students were put in group performances like dances.”

The aim, according to Raheena, was to cover every essential life issue. The ever-pertinent concern of global warming was also presented in a drama which included preventative measures to reduce the greenhouse effect. Returning to matters closer to home, there was an interview of a little politician, a Bankay Mian qawwali, a Mushaira and a routine performance on peace and harmony. In the end, a surprise performance by television celebrities Moin Akhtar and Faisal Qazi was a treat to the audience and students.

“Education should be our top priority,” said Moin Akhtar, sharing his humble beginnings as a performer in a school play. “It is the teachers who build and train you. I still remember how I felt when I acted in Merchant of Venice.”

The parents were teary eyed with joy once they saw their little ones’ works. “I am very happy and the credit goes to the teachers who trained the kids very well,” said one parent Tajver Sultan.

“I was not expecting such a good performance from my daughter!”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2011.