KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and Bodhi Works (Film and Theater Company) organized a press conference regarding the theatre play “The White Plague,” at Haseena Moin Hall. President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Mohammad Ahmed Shah, filmmaker and director Meher Jaffri, Theater Director Khalid Ahmed, actor Fawad Khan, Kashif Hussain, and Saad Zameer, briefed the media about the details of the play.
President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Mohammad Ahmed Shah expressed the Council’s longstanding commitment to fostering various facets of art and culture over the past two decades. He emphasized that the Arts Council supports its academies and initiated collaborations with cultural institutions across Pakistan and internationally. He proudly announced that Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi is the country’s premier cultural institution, dedicated to promoting art and culture globally. The establishment of the Arts Council has aimed to showcase artists’ works on a global platform, making them accessible worldwide. Shah noted that the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi is the largest academy in Pakistan regarding to music.
Currently, a group from the Arts Council is performing in Rwanda. We also started a series of repertoire theatre. We are giving opportunities to new artists. He mentioned that Meher Jaffri is a filmmaker and an award-winning director and artist. Theatre director of Arts Council Khalid Ahmed said, “All the people included in the drama’s cast are my students.” Meher Jaffri has gathered all the great actors on one platform. The standard of the play “The White Plague” will be very good. Ahmed Shah has given me a place in the Arts Council; I am thankful to him.
Arts Council produced tremendous artwork previously but now we are prioritizing more quality work. We are presenting opportunities to those individuals who have a commitment to quality work so they can progress further. He also said that the media should help us promote this work so that the theatre standard can be further improved.
Director Meher Jaffri, an award-winning filmmaker and playwright, shared insights into the play “The White Plague,” based on a 1937 Czech drama by renowned playwright, critic, and journalist Karel Čapek. Theatre is dedicated to the memory of Zia Mohyeddin because it was his final commissioned drama. Jaffri highlighted the relevance of the play’s themes to contemporary issues, particularly its satirical take on warmongering nations and inhumane viruses. She underscored the play’s portrayal of a global pandemic, resonating deeply with today’s world grappling with the mysterious “White Plague.”
The cast of the play includes prominent actors such as Fawad Khan, Saad Zameer, Samhan Ghazi, Kashif Hussain, Manal Siddiqui, and Zia Moyeddin’s notable students. Jaffri confidently expressed that “The White Plague” would set a new standard for theatrical excellence, thanking President Shah Arts Council’s support and commitment to raising artistic standards. Furthermore, actor Kashif Hussain, who plays the role of Doctor in the play, invited the audience to witness the play, promising an engaging and humorous experience. He revealed that after Karachi, the play would also be staged in Lahore, showcasing a stellar cast and crew dedicated to delivering a memorable performance. In conclusion, director and actor Fawad Khan shared his enthusiasm for participating in “The White Plague,” noting the joy of working with such a talented cast. He praised the play’s previous success and looked forward to its future performances.
Actor Saad Zameer said that the cast of this play is the best. We have presented this play before as well. Being a part of this play was very enjoyable for me.”The White Plague” is scheduled to run from August 21 to 25 at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. This play promises to be a blend of wit, satire, and thought-provoking entertainment, addressing contemporary global challenges through the lens of theatrical artistry.
