‘Bandhan’ addresses the evils of guns in a society

Napa’s upcoming play deals with the theme of arms and ammunition

KARACHI: National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) is set to stage Bandhan, a play inspired by a 1932 Spanish tragedy titled Blood Wedding by Federico Garcia Lorca. Directed by Hassan Raza, Bandhan will be dealing with the idea of arms and ammunition and their harms in our society.

Speaking with The Express Tribune, Raza clarified that Bandhan was not in fact an adaptation of the Spanish play. Lorca wrote Blood Wedding based on true events. It was about a man who was killed while trying to run away with the bride on her wedding day. “It’s not exactly an adaptation but we took inspiration from his method and the play and found similar local cases to base our play around,” said Raza. “The main theme in the original play was honour killing while our play is more anti-arms and ammunition.”

The director said they have localised the premise to suit the Karachi audience. “It’s completely suited to the taste of local audiences and sown according to their familiarity. The original play was quite surrealistic and there were some phenomena which took the guise of humans and spoke. We couldn’t do that due to our limitations, so we had to redesign and rebuild a new structure from the premise.”

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Talking about how Bandhan was relevant to Pakistani society, Raza shared, adding that he had learned to “always have a certain purpose” whenever he does theatre. “You need to have a purpose, whether it’s making someone laugh or cry. But it has to be relevant to the audience, therefore I gather my material from things I have experienced and heard, or someone else has experienced. They have to be real,” he said, further stating that his approach makes sure Bandhan addressed the issue in a way that the local audience can understand and relate to it.

Hajra Yamin, Asad Gujjar, Hassan Khan, Shabana Hasan, Zain ul Abideen, Sehrish, Naila Nawab, Samhan Ghazi, Roohi Ahmed, Ayesha Hasan, Asma Noor, Sofia Bhalaisha make up part of a cast of nearly 40 people. Napa’s resident musician Nigel Bobby has composed five tracks for the play.

Film promotions have turned into disgraceful circuses: Ahsan Khan

In contrast to Blood Wedding’s surrealistic nature, Raza said that Bandhan embodies a contemporary style, with regards to sets, and the directorial approach. “Nevertheless, what makes it interesting is that those who are known as actors will be singing, and singers will be acting. It will be the first collaboration of its kind between the music and theatre departments of Napa.”

On the last note, as to why people should come watch Bandhan, Raza said, “It will be a surprise for everyone. Either you’ll like it or not, but we’ve worked hard, and we would like people to come watch it and judge whether they had a good time or not.”

Bandhan will be staged at 8pm from February 22 to March 4 at Zia Mohyeddin Theatre, Napa. Tickets are available at Napa, Aghas Super Market & bookitnow.pk.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.