Daily Times

An Urdu theatre from UAE is going to perform first time in Pakistan. ‘Mian, Biwi Aur Wagah’ will be participating at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) Intentional Theatre and Music Festival.

Mian, Biwi aur Wagah is conceptualised, written, directed and performed by UAE-based media professionals, writers and theatre artists. It is an original concept based on the real life of an Indo-Pak couple.

The play is a homecoming experience for the lovers of Urdu theatre, spun around the lost tradition of letter-writing. It is based on the real life story of the Pakistani wife of an Indian husband. They narrate their stories through letters, carrying arange of emotions. Between them lies Wagah – the border that separates the two countries and a metaphor for the similarities and differences between the two nations. Wagah is a symbolic character, and a storyteller, who weaves intimate memories, incidents, and observations, and attempts to discover himself in the process.

In the days of digital communication, letter-writing can seem hopelessly outdated. Yet, it’s an art worth reviving, because it imparts a human touch that modern technology lacks. Riding on experimental theatre dynamics and inventive sound and lighting redients, the production of ‘Mian Biwi aur Wagah’ hopes to inspire the audience to revive the art of soul-stirring communication, by putting pen to paper and writing to their loved ones.

The director of Mian, Biwi aur Wagah believes that the success of the play lies in the fact that it was born in the UAE. “The success of Mian, Biwi aur Wagah is the reflection of what UAE has given to all of us. Collecting letters from different parts of South Asia, knitting them all together and then taking it to different parts of the world would not have been possible elsewhere. The UAE is a country of love and peace and embraces positivity from all cultures and values,” said Dhruti Shah, the director of the play.

“We are happy that for the first time ever, a UAE-based theatre group will be performing at NAPA. We wish it all the success,” Zia Mohyeddin, Director NAPA, said. Theatre and music groups from around the world are invited to perform at the NAPA festival every year.

“We are a group of Indians and Pakistanis with deep connections to the UAE. This is our home away from home and we feel extremely proud that through Mian, Biwi aur Wagah, we can contribute something back to this wonderful land of opportunities,” Dhruti said.

Besides participating in the NAPA festival, Mian, Biwi aur Wagah will also stage three shows – on March 31 and April 1 – at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, which is another prestigious art institution  in the country.

“Dubai has always hosted theatre performances from different parts ofthe world. We are pleased with this opportunity to host Dubai’s first-ever Urdu play to travel to Pakistan. Karachi is eagerly waiting to welcome Mian Biwi aur Wagah”, said Mohammed Ahmed Shah, President of Arts Council of Karachi.

In January this year, Mian, Biwi aur Wagah made its international debut in New Delhi, India. Pakistan is the second international destination of the group.

Mian, Biwi aur Wagah is directed by Dhruti Shah and co-directed by Sheherzad Kaleem. The play has been written by Ehtesham Shahid, Amna Khaishgi and Mohammed Majid who are also the play’s lead actors.

Co-actors and writers are Faraz Waqar and Maha Jamil. Johan D’Souza is the musician and singer. The play is a goonj production by TechDigital.

Published in Daily Times, March 20^th 2018.