Theatre lovers flock to ‘Can’t pay! Won’t pay’

ISLAMABAD: The National College of Arts Rawalpindi put together a play based on Dario Fo’s, “Can’t pay! Won’t pay!”, and was received well by audiences in the Capital.

At the inaugural ceremony of the play, the halls of the Pakistan National college of Arts (PNCA) were packed, with theater lovers from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The play was directed by Claire Pamment and revolved around four main characters, placed in a situation of high inflation, poverty, trickery and debauchery.

“Some of the scenes were really funny and relatable, it was nicely done,” said Ali, a student who was attending the play.

The play was set in Milan during the 70’s, where radicalism and revolution was brewing. Like many of Fo’s plays, this too was based around issues related to class, economic problems, inflation and religion.

The play focused on the spread on unemployment and Italy’s economic crisis at the time. The play was based specifically on the rise in supermarket prices.

Shahana Butt, one of the main characters, played the role of a housewife was labeled as many as the “star of the show” for her clear dialogue delivery and facial expressions. Mohsin Ejaz, a seasoned theatre performer, played the role of a shape-shifting inspector.

“The transformation from one character to the other was remarkable,” said Fatima, a member of the audience. Ottoman Ali Khan played the role of Riaz Butt, the husband, while Naveed Khan played the role of Farhan Sami.

Their on screen chemistry during several dance numbers in the play was received with a chorus of clapping.

The set was designed by Paul Burgess, a UK based Scenographer and director of many visual theater pieces. The dances were choreographed by Indi Mitha, a renowned dance educationalist.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2010.