The vanishing year and autumn meet together in the backdrop of splashing colours of nature and the glowing outlook of festivities of Eid-ul-Azha, Christmas, New Year and election boom in the capital.
The air is full of aura of much sought after flowers like lotus, marigold, rose, bougainvillea, orchid, pansy and royal autumn lilies along with shrub, herbs and weeds in a variety of charming colors and shapes. The cultural institutions have also chalked out attractive events matching with the spirit of autumn festivities.
PNCA theatre season: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts has launched its first ever theatre season since it has shifted to its new state of the art complex housing the National Art Gallery within its folds. The first phase of the theatre season offered three stage plays called, 'Bullah', 'Kala Mendha Bhes' and 'Toba Tek Singh' in collaboration with the Lahore based Ajoka Theatre.
The play 'Bhulla' is a tribute to the great mystic. It is broadly based on the event of his life, as communicated through his poetry, historical records and popular myths.
And there is no dearth of dramatic episodes in the life of Bulleh Shah. His search for truth, his devotion to his mentor Shah Inayat, his conflict with the intolerant clergy and corrupt Nawabs, his opposition to the wars and bloodshed in the name of religion all are incorporated as powerful scenes in the play.
The story of 'Kala Mendha Bhes' revolves around the real life incident that took place in Sindh, where a woman was exchanged for an ox. The play tells the story of the woman, Sundri, who first feels humiliated at the exchange, then angry and eventually determined to prove her worth as a human being. The play uses the folk theatre style of the Swaang and is a bold attempt, both thematically and in terms of style.
The third play of the season was 'Toba Tek Singh', which is based on the famous story of the same name in addition to two other stories 'Siyah Hashiyae' and 'Khol Do' by Sadat Hasan Manto, the most eminent fiction writer of the sub continent.
The Ajoka Theatre productions were followed by the stage play of Karachi Drama Circle titled ' Shaed Isi Ka Naam Mohabet Hay Shaifta'. The play is written by one of the great contemporaries of Ghalib, poet and writer Nawab Mustafa Khan Shaifta and directed by Sohail Malik.
The opening scene of the play is a set in Nizamuddin Aulia's mausoleum in Delhi, where Nawab Mustafa Khan Shaifta's is to be found at an unmarked graveside, endlessly contemplating the significance of life and death. One of the foremost romantic poets of the sub continent who completed his Dewan at the age of twenty one and never indulged in poetry thereafter. This tragic true story of the love of his life ended in tragedy both for him personally and for all lovers of literature generally, who were robbed of the edification to be derived from further writings of this great poet.
It will be recalled that Mustafa Khan Shaifta, in his real life besides being a great intellectual and poet was a staunch and indomitable freedom fighter against the British imperialism in India in 19th century. He was imprisoned for a time in Meerut when the first armed revolt was suppressed. His son, Nawab Ishaq Khan and grandson Nawab Isamail Khan continued his mission to gain independence for the sub-continent and were pioneering leaders of the independence movement, since its inception. Notably, his eldest grandson Nawab Ismail Khan is venerated for his role as one of the founding fathers of the Muslim state of Pakistan.
The drama season with the ongoing stage play would continue till December 20th. Mystic peace through visual images and paintings: A powerful trend to uphold the solacing values of spirituality and mysticism is gaining momentum in the realm of visual creativity these days. The exhibition of mixed media images and paintings by Turkey based Pakistani painter Mansoora Hasan, opened on December 14 at Tanzara gallery is the explicit manifestation of the ongoing trend.
The exhibition is titled "Kantinuum" which offers a variety of mixed media creativity including assemblage of diversified elements, architectural motifs, dried leaves and petals etc. Mansoora used canvas, silk screen, handmade paper and a variety of paints to establish her intellectual and creative self for the viewers. Roaming from Pakistan to Morocco to Turkey and other parts of the world Mansoora kept her learning process going.
That is why she has got a massive quantum of observation and experience in art field. She believes in the continuity of creativity with innovative pursuits. The ancient civilisations of Moenjodaro, Gandhara, Egypt and Babul-o-Nainwa give her a source of learning as to how the carvan of humanity got evolution to the present day stage. One could see this great human odyssey in the 40 wonderful exhibits by Mansoora Hasan.
She comments about her creative process," All the ancient civilisations, art, crafts and artifacts nurtured there are the common asset of the whole humanity. The cherished values of peace, tolerance and co-existence are shared by the humanity living anywhere on this planet earth. Saints and Sufis are the true representative of this peaceful ambience. They attract me and give powerful motivation to my creative process." She has successfully transformed her ideals and ideas in her exhibits.
The visual experience, sentiments and feeling of the painter could be seen in colors, tonal variations, architectural elements, calligraphic images and dream like textures. Ghazala Rahim, a student of Psychology described her experience in these words, " It took me in a state of trans and ecstasy." Her father a retired government officer added."
The assemblage of diversified elements by the artist sends a message of co existence to the present day fighting forces on petty issues. This is mysticism and spiritualism which offer the only proper treatment of degenerating societies."
History speaks through 1700 year old coin: Individual dies but individual in form of humanity continues. It is manifested through the reminiscent of past civilisations and archaeological sites. A coin, very old and small in size, found in the vicinity of Taxila speaks a voluminous story of this proverbial truth.
The Department of Archaeology, despite having a very low priority in our governmental structure and as a result facing big financial constraints, occasionally renders valuable services for the mankind. In this regard a team of experts had found a rare coin of 4th century AD. The 1700 year old coin is made of copper and surfaced during an excavation of the ancient Buddhist monastery and stupa locally known as Jinna Wali Dheri, about 13 kms north of Taxila museum. It will be recalled that the work of restoration, preservation and conservation of the site has been in progress when the team found the precious testimony of the ancient past.
Mohammad Buhader Khan, the archaeologist believes that the rare coin belongs to the dynasty of Shahpur 11 dating back to AD 309 to 380.The obverse of the coin carries the bust of the king and on the reverse fire altar is engraved. Despite the passage of time the quality of the substance, artistry and craftsmanship speak the excellence, purity of social set up and quality of work which prevailed during that era.
The research documents of Sir John Marshall, Director General of Archaeological Survey of India (1912-34) also explain that the Sassanians had introduced their own copper money system during the reigns of Shahpur 11 ( 309-380 AD), Shahpur 111(384-386) and Varahran 1V (386-397 AD).The study of the coin also suggests that the Buddhist monastic complex was found during the Sassanian era in early period of fourth century AD and which was ultimately destroyed by the White Huns in fifth century AD.
It will be recalled that prior to the finding of 1700-year-old coin, a mural painting depicting the early Buddhist period was also discovered. It is therefore of earnest importance that the government and the relevant department should attach due consideration for the overall preservation, conservation as well as protection of the hidden archaeological treasure of the humanity in general and people of Pakistan in particular.
HUNGARIAN PIANIST ENTHRALS WITH FOLK TUNES:
It was indeed a wonderful evening in the capital studded with charming folk tunes from Hungary played by a young pianist Marouan Bin Abdullah, 24. The concert coincided with 125th birth anniversary of Zoltan Kodaly ( 1882-1967), a great Hungarian musicologist, who pioneered the reintegration of indigenous folk repertoire with the modern trends of the 20th century. The memorable event was jointly organised by the embassy of Hungary and MOL Pakistan.
Young Marouan Bin Abdullah captivated the audience with his melodious tunes pouring out of his dancing and thrilling fingers on the key board of piano. With his devotion, dedication and mastery over the art, he turned the instrument into a magic box producing unbelievable enthralling notes which directly take place in the hearts of the audience.
He also played in Zoltan Kodaly's exclusive method, besides C Debussy, F Liszt and Bartok . The young pianist earned great applause from the audience comprising diplomats, dignitaries and music lovers of the twin cities. Pianist Abdullah enjoys a distinction of being the best musician of the year 2005 declared by the National Classical Music Radio in Hungary.
The Ambassador of Hungary, Bela Fazek, while addressing the gathering paid tribute to the legendary musician Zoltan Kodaly and to his contribution through his great compositions. He also appreciated the growing cultural relations between the two people.
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