The Lahore Arts Council and Kinnaird College’s collaborative theatre play, ‘Gumnam Rahi’ showcases the brutal realities of life for the underprivileged segments of society and serves as a call to action as the vulnerabilities faced by the poor prompt them to venture into uncertainties, where they often meet tragic ends.
The joint production digs deeper into the lives of the poor, who are ready to sacrifice all they have in the slightest hope of a better future – a future where they do not have to suffer and can fulfil their dreams as well as their ambitions. This desperation is thus aptly explored through the tragic tale of a family whose hopes are pitted on their only son, Imran.
Deep into poverty, the parents and their daughters expect Imran to secure their finances. The family also expects Imran to manage the expenses of his sister Noori’s wedding – a difficult task in South Asian societies, where big fat weddings take a toll on the financial situation of families. However, when it becomes clear to Imran that despite his education, his odds are poor in Pakistan, he applies for a Canadian visa but faces rejection and ridicule.
Crushed under the weight of expectations, Imran takes an extreme decision. He decides to travel to Ukraine illegally in hopes of a better future. But as tragedy would have it, the son, the one who was supposed to provide for the family, gets caught in his illegal attempt on the day of his sister’s wedding and is killed. While the family mourns him, the audience is reminded of the sacrifices many young men make when they leave their families in hopes of a better tomorrow. The audience is also reminded of the risks taken by the underprivileged segments of the society when they are confronted with the realities of life.
Through the story of Imran, ‘Gumnam Rahi’ exposes the vulnerabilities of poor young men, who are forced to consider extremities in the face of everyday troubles. It also highlights the way poor families are forced to sacrifice their sons to uncertainties amid persistent economic woes. These young men, who meet tragic ends, are forgotten and so are the dreams and ambitions they carried with them.
The collaborative effort between Alhamra Arts Council and Kinnaird College is a job well done as it deals with a social issue that is not deeply explored elsewhere. The play makes a powerful statement and illustrates how the economically weaker segments of society pay with their lives for the prospects of a better future. It also showcases the grim realities of life and the social injustices rooted in the economic order, both of which lead to tragic ends, especially for those young men who could have done so much in life, and achieved so much if they were given the right opportunities and support.
At a time when the economic crisis in Pakistan is prompting young men to seek better prospects elsewhere, and when the international community is witnessing a surge in illegal migrations, this play is a call to action. It highlights the need for the government to provide economic protection to the vulnerable segments of society. It also underscores the necessity of facilitating migrants, considering that they are forced to venture into uncertainties due to the hardships they face at home.
The actors did justice to their roles and showcased their abilities aptly. Their powerful performances highlighted the gravity of the situation and conveyed the emotional complexities faced by the family to the audience. The play will continue till the 29th of August and is worth watching for those who are yet to see it.