By IANS,
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.