Pakistan has produced some of the most well-established and talented stars in the film and television industry. However, some really stand out for their ability to turn a vision into a reality. We all can agree that theatre plays are the more underrated of all the performance arts and yet two inspired talents came together over a decade ago to change the country’s mind about the value of theater. Two shining stars who have always stood out for their notable work are the humorist writer Anwar Maqsood and the exceptional director Dawar Mehmood. The brilliant showmen garnered the attention of many over the past 10 years, particularly for their play series, Pawnay 14 August and Sawa 14 August. Now the 14th August play trilogy is all set to launch its final leg as the trilogy concludes with the last epic performance. Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Pakistan with the final part of the theatrical masterpiece trilogy, Dawar Mehmood of KopyKats Productions, and Anwar Maqsood’s Saadhay 14 August premieres in Karachi on 14th August 2022. The play will once again be directed by the exceptional Dawar Mehmood and will be staged at the Arts Council of Pakistan.
In 2011, Anwar Maqsood collaborated with Dawar Mehmood for a very distinguished idea for a play to be released on 14th August, Pakistan’s Independence Day. The patriotic narrative was titled ‘Pawnay 14 August’ (A Quarter to 14th August). With a sharp wit, sarcasm, emotion, and elements of humor, the play became a huge hit and even toured around the world.
A few years later, in 2013, the sequel to the first play was launched with the title, ‘Sawa 14 August’ (A Quarter After 14th August). More than a decade later, Maqsood has written the final part of the trilogy, which has now progressed to a ‘Saadhay 14 August ’ (fourteen and a half August). The play featured now acclaimed actors such as Zahid Ahmed, Yasir Hussain, Gohar Rasheed, and several other notable names. The plays earned nationwide success for their distinct ability to merge political commentary and satire in the most enlightening mannerisms.
Now, the writer and the director are launching the third part of their play trilogy ‘Saadhay 14 August ’ with another hard-hitting plot for everyone to love. The storyline of the live-action performance revolves around Jinnah and Gandhi who get the people’s views on the great divide between Pakistan and India. Jinnah and Gandhi then visit Kashmir, Lahore, Delhi, and London to gather people’s reactions and fight a case against the allegations of whether the divide was a good decision or not. In the past, Jinnah and Gandhi never wanted a divide but simply desired freedom from the British. The two leaders agreed on the Muslim Govt in Muslim majority regions, but Nehru didn’t agree and eventually, the solution was a sub-continent divide into 2 countries, India and Pakistan.
Till today, Dawar Mehmood and Anwar Maqsood are accredited for their amazing work in theater. Stars can’t help but sing their praises for the two of them regarding their creation of iconic masterpieces. The writer’s heart-wrenching motivational talks along with the director’s dedication to his craft brought true emotions out of the cast while performing. Maqsood’s drama write-ups for PTV in the late 1970s and 1980s amazed Pakistan and the world. The satirist since then has rightfully earned his title as one of the best playwrights in Pakistan. Maqsood has always complemented Mehmood for adding a distinguished touch to the play with his astounding direction. Mehmood’s unique abilities have been praised by many as he continues to make the art of theatre something to bask over. We can hardly contain our excitement to see the dynamic duo collaborate once again and that’s why we just can’t wait to see ‘Saadhay 14 August ’, the final episode of his play trilogy this 14th August 2022!
