With rousing
and avid applause, the finale of ‘ISHQ the Musical’ was performed last evening
at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre of London, one of the most prestigious places in
the world for theatrical performances, says a press release received from
London here today.
Four
performances in three days, i.e. 7-9 September 2017,
had all circles of the theatre full with the audience. The performances were
quite a treat to the senses of the art and culture fans. The production
featured music and choreography from across Pakistan and the UK, and used both
classical and modern dance, poetry and fusion music. Based on 600 years old
legendary romance of Heer Ranjha, the talented cast kept the audience wrapt for
over two-hour long shows.
‘ISHQ the
Musical’ is one of the events organised by the Pakistan High Commission London
to celebrate the country’s 70th Independence Anniversary this year.
Speaking to
the guests and media at the Sadler’s Wells, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, the High
Commissioner said:
“Cultural
diplomacy is the way forward in this age. It is one of the most effective tools
to bring communities together and forge mutual understanding among various
cultures. Pakistan, though only 70 years old, belongs to an ancient land, which
is the custodian of the Indus Valley Civilization, and we have got a rich
cultural legacy to present before the world. ‘ISHQ’, an Anglo Sufi Musical, is
an endeavour in that direction.”
The High
Commissioner hoped that cultural outreach like ‘ISHQ’ would help project the
true image of Pakistan abroad and bust the myths associated with our country
for wrong reasons.
The cultural
outreach of the High Commission has been widely appreciated by the Pakistani
community as well as the British friends of Pakistan who have been part of the
celebrations.
‘ISHQ’ has
been produced by Serendip Productions, an award-winning company from Pakistan.
The cast is from Pakistan and the UK, including Ahsan Khan, Adnan Jaffar,
Rasheeda Ali, Rachel Viccaji, Irfan Damani, Sohai Abro, Arti Daltri and others.