LAHORE – The Government College University Lahore Dramatic Club on Friday staged Mumtaz Mufti’s magnum opus “Nizam Saqqa” which was indeed a metaphoric chastisement of the political elite who never venture to alter their traditional image of selfish opportunist.
“Our leaders don’t have the wish or the vision to raise above their pity personal interests to make invaluable contributions to the welfare of the masses,” this precisely was the message sent out by the legend of Nizam, an ordinary peasant, who was supposedly made king for a day by Mughal Emperor Humayun.
The story begins in a village where Nizam was portrayed as straightforward and blunt but kind-hearted and a very poor peasant who was busy enjoying his life while struggling for the economic needs. Humayun, the 16th century Mughar Emperor, was made to wager life and liberty for the sceptre. He lost his kingdom to regain even larger one. In the interim, legend has it that he met Nizam who helped the emperor in very difficult times.
Later, In return, Humayun made Nizam king for a day. Nizam, who appears to be an innocent man, turns an able king even in the short duration afforded to him. He is able to convince all and sundry that there is no difference between a pauper and a prince. Nizam, as king, humiliates the entire government machinery for its apathy towards the masses. His short reign has profound messages for all around him.
The character of Nizam tells us that the pivotal thing in society is justice and fair play. In dispensing justice, Nizam eclipses even emperor Humayun and silently returns to oblivion. The play conveys earnest messages in a humorous vein. The encounters between Nizam and Humayun are both witty and insightful. In the play, the amateur GCU actors successfully managed to outclass the best of thespians in their purposeful portrayal of the royalty and the downtrodden with marvellous finesse.
The audience particularly appreciated the club’s choice of script and the befitting musical score performed live by GCU’s Nazir Ahmed Music Society under the artistic elan of Tariq Salman Khan Farani – the ace musicologist and acclaimed flute-player. GCU Historian Prof Khalid Masood Siddiqui opined that live accompaniment of Qawali and classical music was the first of its kind in the history of amateur theatre. He showered glowing accolades on the singers and actors who made this performance truly memorable.
Speaking on the occasion, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ikram-ul-Haq (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) said that theatre has a worthwhile contribution towards social reformation. It is, therefore, impetrative for university theatre groups to pick themes which educate as much as entertain. Prof Ikram said that GCU Dramatics Club has single-handedly nurtured and preserved pristine theatrical activity while it was placed on the back burner in almost all the public sector educational institutions.
Commenting on the play, the vice chancellor said that one must take the hint from what Mumtaz Mufti has subtly suggested in “Nizam Saqqa” and rise above one’s vested interests so as to serve humanity at large. He was particularly appreciative of the new GCUDC Adviser Sameer Ahmed who turned his first theatrical production into magnificent success despite all odds.
Costume Manager Kiran Mehboob, a student of the GCU English Department, said that being a historical play, its costume design was particularly challenging and thrilling for her. The overwhelming response that her work received elevated her spirits and motivation. The scenic enactment of the play requires rustic riverside and the ornate Mughal court which was effectively portrayed by GCU students Zainul Abideen and Saud Butt.
The cast for the play includes Ghulam Ali Shair, Yumna Malhi, Syed Manan Azhar, Maham Naz, Nayab Faiza, Fatima Tanvir, Wajeeha Nawaz, Azer Khan, Almas Sabeeh, Saad-ul-Hassan, Maryam Darak, Umer and Mudassar Riaz.
