Napa controversy

At a press conference on Saturday to introduce ‘Khwabon kay Musafir’ – a play to be staged between January 11 and January 20 at the Arts Council Auditorium – renowned artist Rahat Kazmi switched to the graver issue of the controversy surrounding the eviction notices served to the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) and the subsequent matter being presented in court, including the notice served by the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA). “We will not leave so easily,” Kazmi declared.

He said that more than 180 students of different ethnic backgrounds, including Hindus and Christians, were studying in the institution at the moment. He termed the entire fiasco a deep conspiracy to suppress the process of germination of arts and crafts, especially performing arts in the country.

Kazmi also expressed grave concern over the two-third cut in NAPA’s grant, and said that the forces hell bent against NAPA were the same ones which had imprisoned Faiz Ahmed Faiz and thrown Ahmed Faraz out of his house.

He added that he was willing to “come to the table with the democratic and forward looking government.” He proclaimed that if any of the parties could convince him of his mistakes he would happily shut down NAPA and vacate the building, but till then he would remain there.

NAPA stage production to premier on 11th: “Khwabon kay Musafir” is seventh stage production of the NAPA Repertory Company. It was written by Intizar Hussain in 1955. The play is being directed by veteran director and actor Zia Mohyeddin. It features eight cast members, including veteran television actor Ayesha Khan, as well as a new entrant, Ovais Mangal Wala. The latter has just joined the repertory company from the latest batch of students graduating from NAPA.