Rayaan: Mirroring reality

‘Rayaan’ portrays the impact feudalism has on society.

LAHORE:

One hardly gets to see English theatre plays that comment on the fabric of society in Pakistan. This week, however, Saad Sultan’s beautifully scripted play “Rayaan” — which is being performed by the World Theatre Federation at Alhamra in Lahore — explores some of the cultural and societal nuances within the contemporary feudal society. While making references to the current political system, the play portrays the spiritual struggle one faces when living through the battle of good and evil.

The lead character Rayaan (played by Arsalan Nasir) is the son of a powerful public figure, who is killed in a terrorist attack. Rayaan inherits his father’s power and becomes the subject of envy amongst his family and friends who then wrestle for authority and set off a series of murders.

The play is a tragedy, but thanks to Sultan’s penchant for variety, one also saw small servings of humour incorporated smoothly into the overall structure. Though the themes were focused largely on the darker side of the emotion spectrum, the play was livened up through the clever use of props. One could see the set-up and background changing time and again to complement the ongoing activity, with the lighting constantly changing to match and add to the mood of every scene.

The juxtapositions and contrast were not restricted to backgrounds and lighting only. Sultan proved that he is one of the most talented English playwrights in Pakistan by weaving comedic dialogues with romantic prose. While accepting that his script was inspired by the writings of William Shakespeare, Sultan states, “I don’t think modern English theatre has done enough on social themes. I think there is too much of frivolous entertainment in the theatre industry.”

When asked if the play “Rayaan” has a special message for the audience, the writer says, “The purpose of theatre is to show you a landscape, not tell you where to do with your life — that is the job of the preacher.”

The idea of “Rayaan” had come to Sultan back in the winter of 2007; the same year he lost his mother. Knowing, what lack of cathartic space does to you, Sultan says that he wants his production to be like a scratchpole. “The only thing that concerns me as an artist is to somehow be a source of therapeutic catharsis. If I manage to do that, I will feel I have done my job.”

Overall, “Rayaan” is a treat for people who are connected to the everyday workings of Pakistan. The play that is being performed five days a week and will run till January 20, is a must-see for theatre lovers.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2012.