Pride and prejudice: Play on class differences staged at Alhamra

It revolves around efforts of the elite to hold on to power

LAHORE:

A woman crying next to a coffin, a bandaged child staring at the camera, a man being attacked by a mob and some individuals dancing to the lyrics Main Zombie Hoon were among the scenes portraying death and destruction during a play, titled Kaun Bane Ga Badshah, staged at Alhamra on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Ajoka Theatre play was backed by a soundtrack and a strong script. It highlights dynastic politics and rhetoric of change in the country.

The plot revolves around four children; Rais Zada, Nawab Zada, Khan Zada and Shah Zadi, representing politically influential and wealthy families. They participate in a game show Kaun Bane Ga Badshah to see who will become the next ruler.

The game show is hosted by Nizam who has been portrayed as a well-spoken and a polite character. The Big Boss, who remains invisible to the characters for most part of the performance, is the actual force in charge. Rules of the game allow the participants to use whatever means they want in order to win the contest.

Explaining a “do paidaishi nazaria”, Nizam tells the children that they are different from those born at the hands of midwives. “You were born with a silver spoon in the mouth while they [the common children] were born with a plastic pacifier,” says Nizam.

Aided by their parents, the four children perform various tasks involving Ghulam Zada – a character symbolising the common man. They keep finding ways to win his vote. The three male characters – Rais Zada, Nawab Zada, Khan Zada – are assured by their fathers that they have already set the stage for their success. Shah Zadi, on the other hand, is informed by her mother, “You have the things that others don’t… by simply smiling at them you can win the game.”

Nizam urges Ghulam Zada, who is getting irritated by rules of the game, to revolt. Ghulam Zada asks Nizam to stand by him, saying, “You also became a part of the game.” The Big Boss then shows up to prevent the revolt. He makes sure that the four children and Ghulam Zada sort out their issues.

“Who will rule next is the question that has always tickled politicians,” says Shahid Nadeem, the director and writer of the play. “I have tried to highlight serious political issues in a humorous manner.”

Theatre coach and critic Perin Cooper Boga said the play had an important message at the apposite time. “The idea is remarkable and revolutionary,” said Sonu Rehman, a former Debating Society of Pakistan president. She said the concept was is in line with Ajoka’s earlier efforts.

The Ajoka Theatre will perform their play, Bhulla, on Friday (today).

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2015.