This play was originally written in 1930, based on a popular Iranian folk story.
Ostensibly, the plot revolves around the war between Iran and Toraan. But, reading between the lines, it is a clear warning against selling one’s integrity by allowing foreign powers to interfere with a sovereign state’s mechanism.
With this message in mind, the British Government in India banned this play, with the help of the local business community.
Another currently relevant point this play makes, is that the conflicts and rifts that might exist between various groups, can be wiped away by a recognition of their common cultural and traditional values.
First Performance
Date: 4th to 6th June, 2012
Venue: Hall No 2 Alhamra The Mall Lahore
Cast
Usman Zia Rustam
Zohaib Haider Sohrab
Aaliya Abbassi Tahmina
Sarfraz Ansari Shah-e-Samangaan/ Hajeer
Khola Qurashi Gird Aafrid
Wasim Haider Afrasiyab/ Kekaous
Muhammad Wasim Pelsium/ Behram
Zoya Qazi Raqasa/ Kaneez
Nadeem Abbas villager/ Wazir
Asif Hussain Wazir/ Sardar
Yaqoob Salamat Sardar/Humaan/ Solider
Aashar Khan Barmaan/ Solider
Luka Kalvin Villager/ Solider
Ehsan Butt Sardar/ Solider
Shahid Khan Sardar/ Solder
Credit
Written by: Agha Hashar Kashmiri
Directed and Designed by: Malik Aslam
Costume Designed by: Aaliya Abbassi/ Nadeem Abbass
Music by: Sarfraz Ansari
Musicians: Krishan Lal, Adnan Jhon, Dilber Hussain, Bari