For the first time in the history of Pakistani theatre, a stage play has been adapted by a British production team and will open at the National Theatre in London on January 20.
Originally written by acclaimed playwright Shahid Nadeem, Dara has been commissioned by National Theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner, directed by associate director Nadia Fall and adapted by Tanya Ronder. The cast members are well-known British actors, many of them of South Asian origin.
The play depicts the power struggle between two sons of the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The elder son Dara Shikoh went to battle with his younger brother Aurangzeb to fight for the throne. The battle ended in 1659 when Aurangzeb emerged victorious.
The play delves into disputes within Islam, relations with the other faiths and traditions in the region and its consequences on the empire. “
Ronder has adapted the play to make it more accessible for British audiences, who may not be familiar with Indian history and the story of Dara. “The basic structure and story is the same but there is more emphasis on Aurangzeb’s internal conflict and the childhood events of Shah Jahan’s children. The character of Hira Bai, Aurangzeb’s beloved, also appears on stage,”
Anwar Akhtar of the Samosa Media Project and RSA Pakistan Calling was the production consultant for both Ajoka and National Theatre and has worked closely with the team. . The play coming to London also completes a circle of UK and South Asian culture, art, diversity, excellence and audience. The play will run 36 shows until April 2015.
