- The theatre drama ‘Betaali Prem Katha’ is written and directed by Fawad Khan.
- A Pakistani author has created and adapted a Hindi-language drama with Betaali Prem Katha.
- The colours also contrast with the colours of the set, enhancing the drama’s visual appeal.
The National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), the leading performing arts organisation in Pakistan, has presented yet another production of top-notch theatre in Karachi.
An incident from the antiquated Sanskrit epic “Kathasaritsagara” served as the inspiration for the drama Betaali Prem Katha. The crowd has been raving about it since its August 14 debut in Karachi.
People still came up for the artistic treat in Karachi despite the dreary weather. The play has received continuously favourable reviews from viewers, who had nothing but admiration for Fawad Khan’s script, direction, and the actors’ performances.
A well-known personality in theatre and the arts Fawad is renowned for his original approach to playwriting and directing.
Khan draws inspiration from Intizar Hussain, a well-known Pakistani author of Urdu novels and short tales. With a dash of “Nautanki,” he aimed to write a tale that could capture the rich cultures and traditions of South Asia. For the first time, a Pakistani author has created and adapted a Hindi-language drama with Betaali Prem Katha.
The drama is even more enjoyable to watch thanks to Khan’s subtle humour additions. Although the play is set in a mythical world, its message is also applicable to everyday life.
The experience is enhanced with five traditional compositions by music director Ahsan Bari.
The cast dances to a traditional song sung by Bhagat Bhoora Laal and his band at the beginning of the show. Then, a character named Prem is introduced (played by Raheel Siddiqui, a well-known theatre performer also known for his work on DastanGoii), who by accident travels to the city of Roopnagar where he meets Betaal, a Genie-like being with magical abilities (played by Sunil Shankar, a well-known TV actor and theatre performer).
With the help of his supernatural abilities, Beetal writes a play in which Prem has a part and tells him that there will be a question at the conclusion. He warns him that if he can provide the correct response, his life would be saved, but if not, he will stomp on his skull and consume his blood.
Through the theatrical performances and musical flourishes, the audience may truly understand the essence of the ancient civilization.
Furthermore, an immersive, richly layered set that accurately portrays the city of “Roopnagar” was constructed by Tariq Raja and Ossama Ranjha.
The play’s costumes were thoughtfully created by theatre artist and costume designer Erum Basheer while taking into account the various personalities of the characters. The colours also contrast with the colours of the set, enhancing the drama’s visual appeal.
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