Perfect tribute to Pakistan's glorious leaders that were
07 October, 2013
"The main idea behind the play is to give the young generation a perspective about the political history of our beloved homeland," said the veteran and legendary Pakistani playwright, TV host, satirist, humourist and infrequent actor who has worked in the entertainment industry since the 1970s, Anwar Maqsood, right before 'Sawa 14 August' commenced.
The brilliant 78-year-old-writer, who is known for his impeccable grasp of the country's turmoil and the ability to adapt societal issues into a literary pedestal, which is both phenomenal and engaging, has both the reader and the viewer in awe and contemplation. We do find ourselves lost for words to describe the rich ensemble of some of our most talented young stage actors, who enacted Maqsood's message on paper with the utmost poise, passion and vigour; special mention to Zahid Ahmed who essayed the role of our beloved Quaid-e-Azam superbly. His dialogue delivery and demeanour had us fooled if the real Jinnah was actually back from the grave, disseminating his thoughts, guidance, disappointments and praises to all his countrymen.
Wassam Waheed as the country's late former PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Yasir Hussain and Bilal Yousufzai deserve another round of a huge applause. Together, the four of them stood out with their immense appeal as groomed actors. The future of Pakistan's theatre rests in the hands of the aforementioned lot. Amen to that! Maqsood said, "I could have proposed to some of the country's more seasoned, senior and professional actors to star in 'Sawa 14 August' but I later realised there was no need for that, for this young, talented lot has so much in them to offer and present; there performances are there for all you to see. Giving them a chance has been the best decision."
Having said that, 'Sawa 14 August' encompasses all the necessary components, essential for the new generation to know and be aware of including the struggle our country's founder went through for our independence, the post-Partition violence and chaos, the consequent "leaders" we witnessed as a nation and those that just ruled and seldom served. The dialogue between the Quaid, Bhutto and former president of the country Ziaul Haq, speaks volumes of what Maqsood feels about his home country and the atrocities inflicted on our soil by those that called them its saviours. 'Sawa 14 August' is written with great patriotism and a strong rhetoric of patriotism. With moments of humour, pain, disorientation and irk, the characters define what the Pakistanis' values and affiliations should be.
Rizwan as the Quaid says at the end, which very successfully evokes us a Pakistani. "You are the future of the country. Don't be fooled by any one rhetoric of a political party. Rather be sure of what you want and require as a citizen. They are the public's servants and you the public. Don't forget that."
TPL Holdings hosted the opening night of 'Sawa 14 August', which was presented by KopyKats Productions. The media and PR of the show was handled by Xenith PR and Events.
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