Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: October 25, 2023 | 
| 中文
Farhan Alam Siddiqui (second from left) taking a bow with the cast of Gadha Mandi (Wholesale Market for Donkeys)
In the dimly lit auditorium of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi (ACPKHI), a man stands centre stage, his presence commanding attention even before he utters a word. Farhan Alam Siddiqui, a luminary in the world of theatre, unfolds his story, a narrative woven with passion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the stage. "I was an only child, so I learned how to occupy myself, immerse myself in stories at an early age," reflects Farhan, a sentiment that laid the foundation for his profound connection with the world of theatre.
His journey into theatre began at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), where he pursued a theatre diploma. However, Farhan's pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there. He embarked on a parallel journey, enrolling in an MBA program, adhering to the advice of his parents who encouraged him to follow his passion while having a fallback plan. Within a remarkable three-year period, Farhan not only completed his theatre diploma but also earned an MBA.
Farhan Alam Siddiqui (center) in Dinner With Darling
Upon graduation, Farhan dove headfirst into the world of theatre, becoming a dynamic force at NAPA. His multifaceted contributions included directing plays, acting and serving as an assistant teacher under the esteemed Talat Hussain sahab. Rejecting the allure of television and digital mediums, Farhan held fast to the belief that his destiny lay on the stage. "I want to be remembered in history as a man who really knew his craft, as a man who understood theatre and a man who made theatre his own. That is the dream," Farhan declares, his eyes reflecting a burning passion for his art.
The turning point in Farhan's theatrical journey came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the NAPA fraternity seemed to forget him, the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, extended a benevolent hand. Despite his short tenure as a teacher, the council recognized his dedication, dispersing funds to existing employees during the challenging times. The theatre maestro's commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers is evident in his role as a teacher at the Arts Council of Pakistan's Theatre Academy. He encourages students to create original plays, to lend their unique voice to age-old stories. In a landscape where adaptation often takes precedence, Farhan advocates a theatrical evolution, rooted in Pakistani narratives.
Farhan Alam recieving a shield from Chief Minister Sindh Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar, and President Arts Council of Pakistan, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, at the closing of Pakistan Theatre Festival
"I am a teacher at the Arts Council of Pakistan’s Theatre Academy, and every chance I get, I tell students to write original plays, to come up with new scripts to give their voice to age-old stories," Farhan passionately expresses. "It is not a practice many of my contemporaries or predecessors agree with, but I cannot help it. Their excuse is that we do not understand the language of theatre like a native English speaker does. Thus, an adaptation of an English play is always superior to original writings in their belief. I, on the other hand, believe that theatre in Pakistan needs to evolve, it has to be made our own, and that is not possible until we start telling stories that come from us, stories that are ours to begin with."
This dedication also reflects another passion that Farhan has, to work in children’s entertainment. "Children are the untapped well of creativity. Their minds are unburdened, and their imaginations boundless. By engaging with them through theatre we not only entertain, but also sow the seeds of artistic expression early on." Farhan's passion for working with children is not merely a professional choice, but a reflection of his own perpetual connection with his inner child. "I want to work with children, work on children’s entertainment because I think I never let my inner child go. I still am a child. I am still able to look at the world like children do. I can interact and engage with children very easily," Farhan expresses, underlining the genuine joy and authenticity he finds in connecting with the younger audience.
Among his notable works is the emotionally charged play, Ek Yad (A Memory!), a poignant narrative inspired by the decade-long struggle of his mother with dementia and Alzheimer's that he staged during Pakistan Theatre Festival. Farhan's inability to pen down his personal ordeal led him to craft a tale of love and resilience within the context of dementia. The play, initially conceived in 2021, unfolded in its full glory at the Pakistan Theatre Festival by Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, earning Farhan the longest standing ovation in the 30-day festival. Farhan revealed that the journey of Ek Yad took an unexpected turn when, fatefully, NAPA couldn't host the performance in 2022. However, an even more remarkable alternative emerged soon after with the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi's Pakistan Theatre Festival, where the play resonated profoundly with the audience.
A still from Ek Yad (A Memory), directed by Farhan Alam Siddiqui
"I was able to convince them to let me put Ek Yad up at the festival, because there's a certain quota allocated to academy teachers where they are supposed to direct plays for the festival. So, I became adamant that the only way I would direct a play would be if it is Ek Yad", recounts Farhan, illustrating the determination that fueled the realization of his vision. Of course, Farhan's directorial prowess extended beyond Ek Yad. He also took charge of reviving the classic Taleem-e-Balighan (Education for Adults), originally scripted by Kawaja Moinuddin. The adaptation, tailored to modern times, received widespread acclaim and culminated in an encore performance on the closing night of the Pakistan Theatre Festival. Now, the journey continues as the play finds its way to the Pakistan Literature Festival, Sukkur.
A photo from Taleem-e-Balighan (Education for Adults), directed by Farhan Alam Siddiqui
Farhan was also a popular casting choice during the Pakistan Theatre Festival. He performed in The Police directed by Hassam Irfan, Gadha Mandi (Wholesale Market for Donkeys) by Owais Rehan, The Finest Cutter directed by Mazhar-Muntazir, Dinner with Darling by Uzma Sabeen, Biwi Ho Tou Apni (If You Have a Wife, She Should be Yours) by Aisha Hassan. The wide range of genres, from comedy, to political satire and social commentary has now left no doubt in the minds of audiences about his acting skills.
Farhan Alam Siddiqui in Biwi Ho Tou Apni (If You Have a Wife, She Should be Yours)
"I am grateful to President ACPKHI Ahmed Shah for helping me make Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, my home. I have great regard for him and the work that he and his team are doing here," Farhan says, acknowledging the pivotal role of ACPKHI leadership in his artistic journey while wrapping up the discussion.
As the applause echoes through the theatre, one can't help but marvel at the tapestry of Farhan Alam Siddiqui's theatrical odyssey. In every script he writes, every character he portrays, and every directorial choice he makes, Farhan leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of Pakistani theatre. His commitment to authenticity, his dedication to storytelling and his unwavering passion, position him not just as a winner of the Pakistan Theatre Festival but as a torchbearer for the future of Pakistani theatre. Farhan's dream, to be remembered as a man who truly knew his craft, is not merely a vision but a reality unfolding on the stage under the spotlight, where his stories come to life, resonating with the hearts of those who witness the magic of his art.
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