A tale of Peshawar: Light comedy brings theatre back to Nishtar Hall

Pakhtunkhwa Arts Council puts together stage play on everyday life in the city

PESHAWAR:

An observational comedy stage drama, Pa Ma Grana Pekhawara (A tale of Peshawar), organised by the Directorate of Culture in collaboration with the newly-established Pakhtunkhwa Arts Council is playing at Nishtar Hall.

Pa Ma Grana Pekhawara ran to a full house on its opening day on Friday, bringing theatre back to the city’s largest auditorium after several years. The play will be staged till Sunday (today) evening at 5:30pm; entry is free.

The show opened to an enthusiastic audience that poured in from all ends of the city. Written by Faridullah Shah Hassas, the play takes a dig at the hustle and bustle of life in the provincial capital. The storyline comprised multiple urban themes and the impact of militancy on Pukhtun society. The actors romanticised old Peshawar and the old city’s simplicity that enchanted travellers and dwellers alike.

The hour-long play was punctuated by numerous roars of laughter and rounds of applause. The cast consisted of fine performers like Rahim Shahzad, Aziz Sherpao, Farah Khan, Siraj Akbar and others.

“It is extremely difficult to entertain a boisterous crowd which is unfamiliar with the theatre culture,” said senior actor Tariq Jamal, who also directed the play. Jamal said a lack of recognition and appreciation gets to those associated with theatre but the overwhelming response to Pa Ma Grana Pekhawara has given them hope.

Entertainment starved

Talking to The Express Tribune, lead actor and comic Zardad Bulbul said the purpose of putting the play together was to bring back the smiles on people’s faces. He said the turnout is proof that people want the hall to be used as a centre of recreation and cultural development and the city yearns for a breather.

Bulbul said the volatile situation has overshadowed the significance of theatre and as a result the alternative industry of CD dramas has sprung up — misrepresenting Pukhtun values and traditions. Bulbul said the actor fraternity can organise such entertainers in other cities of the province as well, if the government extends a helping hand.

The last time Nishtar Hall came to life after hosting a theatrical performance was an epic historical drama on warrior poet Khushal Khan Khattak, staged during the tenure of the previous government.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2015.