Written by: Mahnaz Shujrah
Posted on: August 06, 2018 | 
| 中文
Children in traditional costumes
This past weekend, Lahore came alive with a wonderful performance, which highlighted the importance of the environment in our lives. The latest production by OLOMPOLO Media, “Jeebho Jaani Di Kahaani,” is a Punjabi play, casting all child actors. The children were participants of the annual OLO Summer Camp, and the theme this year focused on conservation. The play took place at Alhamra Cultural Complex at Qaddafi Stadium, on 4th and 5th of August. It was performed in collaboration with Punjab Council of Arts, Lahore Arts Council and Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA).
Jeebho Jaani Di Kahaani is written by Farjad Nabi and directed by Kanwal Khoosat. The story aims to promote the love of nature and its protection through the powerful medium of theatre. The resources in our environment are limited, yet often we go about our daily lives without considering the consequences.
The story revolves around a young man, Iksi Baba (Fadil Asil), who lives in the rural area and makes his living from the land. As a part of his business, he cuts down trees and destroys the natural habitat, all in the name of “tarakee” (progress). As time goes on, he uses each opportunity to expand his business and make more money. Slowly, the trees are deprived of fruit and the fish in the river die. The character of Jeebho Jaani (Sophiya Sarosh), who represents nature, warns Iksi Baba of the imbalance he is causing to the environment, but in vain as all the trees disappear. The story is told mainly through music and lyrical songs, while children in costumes of trees, fish and villagers own the stage with their coordinated actions. The message conveyed in the play is multidimensional, as the audience sees Iksi Baba using that very same money to go for Hajj (pilgrimage), and become a well respected individual in the community. The concept of technological advancements and urbanization is also touched upon as new machinery and modes of transportation are introduced, and their pros and cons become apparent.
No doubt, the execution of the play was very creative. The background consisted of a light and a projector, showing the action that takes place away from the set. The set itself shows Iksi Baba’s desk and his interaction with the other characters, including Jeebho Jaani. Towards the end, the audience comes to a realization about Iksi Baba, witnessing him as an old man (Ibrahim Omer), who finally understands the message of Jeebho Jaani. The Punjabi dialogues were delivered quite well by the cast, as during the summer Samiya Mumtaz was involved in teaching Punjabi diction to the children.
Outside the venue there were stalls set up by PHA, distributing free plants to everyone in the audience. It was a wonderful initiative, along with a stall where people could sign personal pledges for environment conservation. Each person walked away with a plant in their hand, almost like the seed of hope that Iksi Baba planted in the end of the play. As the main jingle from the play goes: “Ek ke dou, dou ke chaar, chaar ke chaalis, beshumaar (One becomes two, two into four, four becomes forty and onward!)”.
It is heartwarming to see theatre flourishing in Lahore, and OLOMPOLO Media has again won the audience over with its distinct themes and style of execution. Their previous plays, Mushk and Jhaanjar Di Paawaan Chhankaar, were both widely appreciated as well. What makes Jeebho Jaani Di Kahani very special, is the important message it brings forth for each generation and how it promotes the art of theatre and vernacular languages, like Punjabi, amongst the youth. Within the audience, there were family and community members, including children, cheering on the young performers. Keeping the essence of the play in mind, as Independence Day approaches in the country, we should all play our part in making Pakistan greener. After all, it starts with one seed.
All pictures have been provided by OLOMPOLO Media
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