The
Anglo Sufi Musical ‘ISHQ’, based on the legendary romance of Heer Ranjha, gave
its first performance last night and received huge applause from the fully
packed hall of audience comprising Pakistani diaspora and various communities
living in London, including the mainstream British society. It was the press
night, therefore, a large number of media persons were also in attendance.
At
the end of the captivating show of over two hours, the audience were full of
praise for the artists, their energy, the choreography, the specially
commissioned fusion music, the themes and the story of the Musical.
ISHQ
is being performed at prestigious Sadler’s Wells Theatre of London from 7-9 September 2017.
This
is one of the mega events being presented by the Pakistan High Commission
London to celebrate the 70th Independence Anniversary of
Pakistan.
H.E.
Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, on the opening of the
Musical said: “ISHQ the Musical presents the rich cultural ethos of Pakistan,
which is the custodian of the oldest civilisation of the world--the Indus
Valley Civilisation. Culture transcends the barriers, busts the myths and
brings people together. Our effort aims towards that end.”
The
High Commissioner further said: “Bringing the Anglo Sufi Musical ‘ISHQ’ to
London--the global cultural hub--is part of our cultural outreach to showcase
our rich heritage to the world. I am confident that the musical will help put in
perspective the true image of Pakistan.”
Based
on the legendary folklore of Heer Ranjha, the romantic story reminisces about
the rich Sufi culture of our land. The legend of Heer Ranjha written by
great Sufi saint and poet Waris Shah, presents the Sufi ethos of our
civilisation characterised by compassion and peaceful coexistence.
The
cast is from Pakistan and the UK, including Ahsan Khan, Adnan Jaffar, Rasheeda
Ali, Rachel Viccaji, Irfan Damani and Arti Daltri and others.
‘ISHQ’
has been produced by Serendip Productions, an award-winning company from
Pakistan.
