Following are some of the major original productions of Theatre Wallay. The complete list is too long.
Akhri Salute
Adapted from a story by Saadat Hassan Manto, Akhri Salute is a 35-minute theatrical piece directed by Safeer Ullah Khan. The play was performed by students who had joined an acting class at PNCA just before the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the students, along with their instructor, continued rehearsing as restrictions eased. Their efforts culminated in performances on the 13th and 22nd of November, 2020, at The Farm in Banigala – Theatre Wallay’s own creative space.
Marhoom Ki Yaad Mein – Tribute to Patras Bukhari
Theatre Wallay paid tribute to legendary Urdu humorist Patras Bukhari through a theatrical adaptation of his timeless essays, capturing audiences with laughter and nostalgia. Directed by Imran Iftikhar, the performance brought to life three of Bukhari’s classic works: “Saweray Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli,” “Marhoom Ki Yaad Mein,” and “Mein Aik Mian Hoon.” The initial shows, held in June 2012 at The Farm in Banigala, drew such a positive response that they led to further performances at the Alhamra Theater Festival in Lahore and Bhittai Auditorium in Islamabad in 2021. For many, it was a cherished throwback to school days, where Bukhari’s humor brightened the Urdu curriculum.
Jamun Ka Ped – Krishan Chander
Jamun Ka Ped was met with enthusiastic applause and appreciation from audiences who resonated deeply with its sharp satire and humorous portrayal of bureaucracy. Viewers lauded the performances, particularly Ahad Ali Siddiqui’s direction, which balanced humor and critique, making the story relatable and thought-provoking. Faisal Khan’s debut was a highlight, as his authentic portrayal brought a fresh and passionate energy to the production. Audiences found the play’s humor both entertaining and reflective, as it cast a mirror on the inefficiencies and absurdities often seen in real-life bureaucratic systems.
Main Ne Kuch Nahi Kiya
In 2019, Theatre Wallay and Rung School of Music and Arts launched Islamabad’s first-ever acting class, led by acclaimed director Safeer Ullah Khan. What began as a three-month course quickly evolved into a full-fledged theatrical journey, as enthusiastic students worked together to create an original play, Main Ne Kuch Nahi Kiya. Through improvisational exercises, they crafted a murder mystery that captivated audiences and marked a significant milestone for Islamabad’s theater scene. This production not only showcased emerging talent but also set the stage for a new era of theater education in the city.
Zard Patton Ka Bann (On Common Ground)
Zard Patton Ka Bann is an original production that delves into the significance of reclaiming public spaces—such as schools, parks, mosques, and squares—that have been scarred by terror in recent years. The play expresses the suffocation and fear people feel, while also celebrating their resilience and desire to create and reclaim spaces meant for learning, leisure, and worship. Originally conceived in English under the title On Common Ground, this version was performed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Artists Repertory Theatre in the USA in June and July of 2017.
Daagh Daagh Ujala (This Stained Dawn)
Based on real-life accounts from survivors of Partition, Daagh Daagh Ujala explores the harrowing experiences of men, women, and children who lived through one of the most tumultuous times in South Asian history. The play emerged from the ‘Voices of Partition’ project, an initiative aimed at capturing unbiased human stories from this period. These stories were intricately woven into a powerful theatrical performance that was showcased in Islamabad, Lahore, and the United States.
Siasat @ 8 PM
Theatre Wallay’s latest production, Siasat @ 8PM, satirizes the absurdity of prime-time political talk shows and the political leaders who dominate them. The play unfolds in two acts, set five years apart, with both acts taking place during election years. The first act focuses on traditional political figures, while the second highlights the emergence of leaders promising “change” and a “new” direction for the country. Through its biting commentary, Siasat @ 8PM scrutinizes the promises made by politicians, presenting a sharp reflection on the state of political discourse and leadership today.
The play was originally performed in August 2013 at Kuch Khaas in Islamabad. It was performed again in Jun 2014 at Bhittai Auditorium in Islamabad, and later in Jan 2019 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore.