
My plays focus on the root of issues, admits theatre director and playwright Asif Ali
If only we weren8217;t so damn scared8230;Asif Ali8217;s work would be much easier but then it would not have the same passion and depth that has become the trademark of Asif8217;s plays. The playwright-director can not be silenced. If something disturbs him, his reactions will take the shape of words that the actors translate on stage. 8220;No issue becomes an 8216;issue8217; overnight, but it8217;s only when it disturbs our comfortable set-up that we open our eyes to it. It8217;s the grassroots that need to be taken care of. That8217;s what I try to portray through my plays 8211; how the problem rises to become massive and what we can do to prevent it.8221; That8217;s exactly what he has done with his latest production 8216;59minutes, 60seconds8217; that was staged at Punjab Kala Bhavan on September 13 and 14.
The possibilities are many and so are the challenges. 8220;Theatre should evolve to the demands of the post modern era. With multi-media expanding and the market deciding our lives, theatre has to grow to survive,8221; he however does find some theatre persons set to meet the challenges. 8220;Take Neelam Man Singh for instance, she is doing exceptional work. Amongst the younger generation, people like Ashu from the city are trying to create their own language through theatre. This is a must for anyone who wants to make a difference.8221; As for himself Asif will attempt that with his next play that8217;s about immigrants from Bihar. Watch out!