The World Culture Festival 2024 took a poignant turn with the presentation of Slaver: Aaj Ki Taza Khabar, a thought-provoking black comedy that inspired deep reflection among attendees.
On the seventh day of the festival, a sense of melancholy enveloped the audience as the curtain rose on Slaver: Aaj Ki Taza Khabar at the Arts Council of Pakistan on Wednesday.
The play follows four friends—Kashif, Faisal, Billy, and Goonga—and delves into themes of terrorism and counterterrorism in today’s world. Directed by Younas Khan and written by Nasir Saleem, the black comedy begins with the friends seeking refuge in a graveyard while avoiding the police. To their surprise, the dead rise, compelling them to confront the perils of the modern era.
As the narrative unfolds, they face challenges in making the right choices amid a rapidly evolving environment.
The 75-minute performance took place in Auditorium 1 and showcased stellar performances from Syed Maqsood Sabir as Kashif, Mir Aslam Lashari as Goonga, Younis Khan as Faisal, Asad Gujar as Na Murad, Umesh Ladhani as Sardar, Asad Abbas as Fika, Waqar Nadeem as Siddiqui, Faiz Siddiqui as Pasha, Sameer Hashmi as a lawyer, Jareer Sheikh as Billi, Rafi as a terrorist, Ramsha Khan as Laila, Syeda Wasila as Hina, and Sophia as a protester. Other notable performances were delivered by Shifa Khan, Raza Hanif, and Samar Abbas.