'Burqavaganza' hits City theatre

KARACHI - Once the banned play during a dictator’s regime, has finally made way into the metropolis enlightening many with concept it bears.

‘Burqavaganza’, one of the short stories by Shahid Nadeem, was staged here at the Arts Council, the other day.

A musical comedy, it explores burqa not only a dramatic attire, but also uses it as a metaphor. After all we don’t just cover women in the all-covering burqas; we hide a lot more. We cover up the individual or collective ugliness under ideological or patriotic burqas.

The primitive values system is hidden in the burqa of tribal culture and traditions. The beast of terror wears a spotless and noble shariati burqa. Who hides behind the police uniform or a doctor’s gown? The feudal despot conveniently adorns a democratic burqa when needed.