Treat to watch

Sharjah theatre shares stage for Urdu play

The Sharjah Ramadan Festival this year has introduced a wide range of activities to cater to people from all walks of life. Apart from shopping, people can engage themselves in various food fairs, amusement rides and events.

The Urdu comedy play, Qurbaani, being performed daily at the Sharjah National Theatre, has won much acclaim from Asian audiences. This is the first time that the Sharjah National Theatre has shared its stage for a non-Arabic theatrical performance.

The play has been written and directed by Saif Manzoor, member of the Sharjah National Theatre. He also plays the lead role in the play. "The desire to deliver Urdu drama to audiences here inspired me to write Qurbaani.

The play comprises a simple comical plot interspersed with witty songs that have been well-received by all. For most spectators this was the first experience of seeing an Urdu play here," says Manzoor. "Members of the cast are mostly friends and fellow members of the theatre, selected for their interest and ability to perform."

Manzoor graduated from the Sharjah Institute of Theatrical Arts about four years ago. "Acting is my hobby. In the past four years I have acted in 15 stage plays and three Arabic serials.

This play is my first as a director and writer. Through this play, I want to reach out to a wider audience and give them a taste of Urdu stage plays," explains Manzoor. He is also being featured in Kafn, an ongoing Arabic serial being aired by Sharjah television.

The Urdu comedy play Qurbaani is performed daily at the Sharjah National Theatre, located in Old Sharjah, Rolla. The show begins at 9.00pm and tickets are priced at Dhs 10.