Dark comedy: ‘Panja Shikanja’ an eye-opener for the electorate

A cat, five kittens, a critical rooster, a philosopher dog, a compulsive dreamer and a ruthless King debate the system

ISLAMABAD: Few weeks after the ink on the thumbs had faded, the people of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were shaken by a satire that had a dark reflection of the country’s political past.

A stage play ‘Panja Shikanja’ (claw clamp) scripted and directed by Jamal Shah, Director General Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) entertained the audience at auditorium of PNCA.

The stage play ‘Panja Shikanja’ a playful satire on the political history of Pakistan in the form of a high value contemporary theatre would continue to entertain the audience till August 20 at PNCA auditorium on daily basis two shows on 5pm and 8pm.

“‘Panja Shikanja’ is a fable woven around our socio-political-culture,” said a PNCA press release.

The drama is about a dream, a joke and bizarre consequences. It is about a cat, five innocent kittens, a critical rooster, a philosopher dog, a compulsive dreamer, the ruthless King and all his men and above all it is about the lust for eternal control. Some 60 artistes including a Chinese artiste took part in the play.

According to the plot, a cat gives birth to five kittens who start chanting ‘Long Live the King’ as soon as they are born. The news of the miraculous kittens spreads like wildfire and everybody starts claiming ownership of the kittens. However, the kittens are confiscated by the King who has been advised by his advisors to show the kittens to the world. So the miracle is witnessed by the entire world and the king can claim the kingdom of the entire world.

The king’s men organise a grand event, which is attended by the most important leaders of the world and transmitted to live to the entire world. The king gladly shares the miraculous kittens with the world, however as soon as the kittens see the king, their slogan changes into ‘down with the king’.

A horrible investigation takes place, the owner is badly tortured to uncover the plot, and finally, it turns out that the kittens had opened their eyes on the fifth day and the revelation turns into a rebellion against the king.

PNCA Director General Jamal Shah who in addition to have scripted and directed the drama is also playing the leading role in the drama as Badshah Salamat, said that the play is hilariously funny complemented by interesting music, dances, dramatic sets, innovative costumes and special effects.

“PNCA is committed to theatrical entertainment in Islamabad by bringing together the best talent of stage in Pakistan,” Saha said.

Ali Saleem who played the role of ‘Wazir Khanum’ said that it’s basically a black political comedy representing an evil regime of the past.

Wang Shan who plays the role of a Chinese doll in the drama said that it is a great experience working with Pakistani artistes who are extremely talented. They act naturally like they are born artistes. Comparing Chinese theatre with Pakistani theatre, Shan said that Pakistani artists are more spontaneous-more dynamic while Chinese are more rigid culturally as they follow rules more strictly.

The story revolves around cat (Naeema Butt) and her five kittens. Butt also runs her own interactive theatre Pehlaaj.

Talking about her role, Butt said her role depicts a mother who cannot defend her kids from an oppressive system. “Since I run my theatre company for the oppressed communities, I can easily connect with the role,” she said.

The performances are planned nationwide in the month of August and September this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2018.