|
New Delhi: Not a
single eye was dry among the 200-strong audience at the Gandhi Smriti auditorium in the capital when a Pakistani troupe performed
a dance-drama -- giving out a message of peace and friendship.
The programme Friday night started with a tribute to the victims
of Mumbai serial blasts, and showcased a feminist drama "Jang Ab
Nahi Hogi", directed by Sheema Kermani and Anwer Jafri from
Tehrik-e-Niswan (The women's movement) based in Karachi.
"It is an attempt to bring peace and stability in both the
countries. It spreads the message of love and serenity by
sidelining the war," said Kermani, a classical dancer, teacher and
drama artist.
The programme was kick-offed with Kermani's gut-wrenching fusion
dance performance based on poems of famous Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed
Faiz and Punjabi Sufi poet Bulleh Shah.
The fusion was followed by the play "Jang Ab...", an anti-war
drama based on Aristophanes' Greek classic "Lysistrata".
The story revolves around the conflict between two tribes --
Khaebani and Phool Machhi. The women of the two tribes, fed up
with the conflict, work together to bring peace, underlining the
central theme - the destructive nature of patriarchy.
"Such programmes are the need of the time and society to spread
peace and harmony. It dispels wrong notions like war and
terrorism, and sends a positive message to both the countries,"
Tara Gandhi, president of Gandhi Smriti -- a museum dedicated to
Mahatma Gandhi -- told IANS.
Meera Singh, a 34-year-old housewife who came to watch the play,
said: "It is surprising how a play written thousands of years ago
is still so relevant. We were spellbound and appreciate this
effort to promote peace."
"I am amazed by the performance of Kirmani, her reveled glimpses
left me spellbound," said 23-year-old Shivam, adding: "India and
Pakistan are so much similar in culture, yet are so far from each
other."
Echoing the message of peace, Jafri, co-director of the play, said
that India is like home to Pakistanis. "India is where we are at
home, but coming to India is most difficult due to visa and other
issues," Jafri said.
|
Comments
|
Quick links