Independent Theatre Company, Pakistan
 | |
| Formation | 23rd March 2012 |
|---|---|
| Type | Theatre group |
| Purpose | Promotion of literature, Storytelling, Theatre education |
| Location | |
Artistic director(s) |
Azeem Hamid Danyaal Syed |
| Website | Independent Theatre Company |
Independent Theatre Company (ITC) is a Pakistani theatre company based in Lahore, Punjab, established in March 2012.[1] The group is directed by founder, writer and director, Azeem Hamid, who was soon joined with designer, Danyaal Syed.[1][2] It is the youngest theatre company in continuous production to have performed both internationally and domestically from Pakistan. Since their inception, the group has performed over thirteen theatrical productions.
The group primarily performs in Urdu language but has also done theatrical productions in English and Punjabi languages.[1] They have extensively focused on the revival of Urdu literature in Pakistan.
Independent Theatre Company have produced original theatrical productions such as Awaaz (literal translation: Voice), a psychological thriller play and the satirical short-play Kuttay (literal translation: Dogs). Also, they have adapted the works of progressive South Asian writers like Saadat Hassan Manto, Rajinder Singh Bedi, Krishan Chander, Imtiaz Ali Taj, Ashfaq Ahmed and Meerza Adeeb.
History
The company was founded in 2012 by Azeem Hamid and Danyaal Syed and now operates all across theatres in Lahore: Alhamra Arts Council and Ali Auditorium (for classical Urdu & Broadway plays and musicals) and different educational institutes (for theatre workshops & short plays).
Their first theatrical production Hatak (literal meaning: Insult),[3] featured fashion model and actress Zara Peerzada in the lead role, was based on the short-story of famous Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto, staged in November 2012 at Alhamra Arts Council and received mixed reviews from critics. This was followed by the group collaborating with Beaconhouse School Liberty for a theatrical performance Dareecha, based loosely on the writings of the play Qurtaba Ka Qazi written by Imtiaz Ali Taj.[4]
In 2013, the group initiated their year with two short-length plays; Dastak, a play written by Meerza Adeeb and an original, Awaaz, in collaboration with Lahore Grammar School JT Girls, the latter winning two-awards at Colors & Humour 2013 for the best actress & supporting actor roles. This success was later followed by a sold-out performance of Ashfaq Ahmed's tele-play stage adaptation Fehmida Ki Kahani, Ustaani Rahat Ki Zubani in March, the performance was praised by many literature writers including Ayub Khawar.
Production history
Independent Theatre Company, Pakistan has staged several full length and short length plays.
- 2012: Heer Ranjha, Hatak, Dareecha,
- 2013: Awaaz, Dastak, Fehmida Ki Kahani, Ustaani Rahat Ki Zubani, Naql-e-Makani,[5] Kuttay
- 2014: Jhelum Mein Naupar, 12 Angry Jurors, Anguliyankam, Kamra#9[6][7][8]
Awards
- 2013: Awaaz won "Best Supporting Role" and "Best Actor" awards at Colours & Humour 2013.
- 2013: Kuttay won "Imtiaz Ali Taj" award for the best theatrical performance.
- 2014: 12 Angry Jurors won "Best Play & Actor" awards at Bestival 2014.
- 2014: Kamra #9 got "Kabi Krittibas Ojha Smriti Smarak" award at Rangapeeth Natymela 2014.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Tete-a-Tete with Azeem Hamid". IdeasEvolved.com. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
- ↑ "Stage Play: Kamra No 9". YoulinMagazine.com. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
- ↑ "Shehr, NOS, Town Talk". Jang.com. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
- ↑ "Shehr, NOS, Town Talk Nov 11-2012". Jang.com. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
- ↑ "Bedi's 'Naql-e-Makani' being staged at Ali Auditorium". Daily Times. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
- ↑ "Manto’s Kamra Number 9 at Alhamra". Dawn News. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
- ↑ "A room full of Manto’s imagination". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
- ↑ Meeting Manto`s mysterious occupant of Kamra#9, Retrieved on 2015-01-08]