In August 2018, the streets of Islamabad buzzed with an unusual energy as Theatre Wallay, supported by Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), introduced a thought-provoking street play titled Hum Drakht Bachaany Niklay Hain – We Are Out to Save Trees. With a message both urgent and inspiring, this play highlighted the importance of water conservation and tree plantation, two issues that have grown increasingly critical in Islamabad’s quest to preserve its green spaces and natural resources. The play’s five performances, held in various locations across the city, engaged audiences of all ages and backgrounds, urging them to think about their personal role in sustaining the environment.
Scripted and directed by Safeer Ullah Khan, Hum Drakht Bachaany Niklay Hain was more than just a play; it was a call to action for every viewer. Using the intimate and engaging nature of street theater, Safeer’s direction brought the message to life with humor, relatable characters, and everyday situations that resonated deeply with the audience. The performances, staged in open public spaces, created a dynamic atmosphere where the boundary between actors and audience blurred, encouraging an interactive dialogue. The cast addressed the audience directly, asking how they might contribute to protecting the city’s greenery and water sources. This approach transformed the performances from mere entertainment into a community conversation, pushing people to recognize that the health of Islamabad’s environment depends on every one of them.
Each performance of Hum Drakht Bachaany Niklay Hain concluded with an invitation to join the Reclaiming Green Islamabad initiative, a community effort focused on expanding and preserving the city’s green spaces. This initiative, launched alongside the play, encouraged audiences to commit to small but impactful actions, such as planting trees, conserving water, and raising awareness about the need for a greener city. The response was remarkable. Many viewers, moved by the powerful themes of the play, signed up to become part of the movement, committing to environmental efforts in their neighborhoods and daily lives.
The play underscored a simple but crucial point: environmental preservation isn’t just a government responsibility; it’s a collective duty. Islamabad’s trees and water sources are the backbone of its beauty and health, and only a conscious community can protect them. Through the experiences of the characters, Safeer Ullah Khan presented the reality of deforestation and water shortages, illustrating what the future might hold if these resources are neglected. The play’s humor and poignant moments allowed for a balanced narrative, making complex environmental issues both understandable and memorable.
As Hum Drakht Bachaany Niklay Hain drew to a close with each performance, it left behind a community more aware, more united, and more determined to safeguard their city’s natural assets. The play’s success marked a turning point in the use of street theater as a medium for social change in Islamabad, showing how creative expression can lead to meaningful environmental advocacy. The commitment shown by the audience members who joined Reclaiming Green Islamabad reflects a growing awareness and willingness to protect Islamabad’s green future. The journey may have started with a play, but the legacy it leaves behind is a community standing together to reclaim and preserve the beauty and health of their city.