Guest Post by Omer Alvie
[This satirical account is inspired by the real-life drama about the Ajoka play Burqavaganza in the Pakistan capital; See The News Editorial; Gulf News op-ed; a Daily Times report on the original play, and other press coverage.]
So this is how it all happened. Ajoka, a non-commercial theatre group committed to the cause of social change in Pakistan, unveiled its new play Burqavaganza last month in Lahore. The satirical play, written by Shahid Nadeem, addresses the issue of the burqa (veil) and highlights the double-standards and hypocrisy of the feudal/tribal mindset. The aim was to use humour and satire to challenge the cultural status quo and to provoke people to think for themselves.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show and the play received positive reviews in the press. But the most surprising response to the play came from a rather astute group of individuals belonging to the MMA (more popularly known as Mullah Military Alliance). Inspired by the success of the Burqavaganza, five extremely talented MNAs decided to perform their own impromptu over-the-top ‘dramaâ⠂¬Ëœ in the National Assembly. The play imaginatively titled Fanativaganza (by yours truly), was a staged rebuttal to the Ajoka group’s play.
Substituting the use of satire, the inspired MNAs opted for provocative language and violent hand gestures to ridicule the writer of Burqvaganza and the Director of the Ajoka theatre group. Apparently, to these five highly sensitive and pious individuals, the Burqavaganza play was clearly un-Islamic, enough to be classified as blasphemous. Although, it has to be clarified that these days, any critique, criticism, aspersion, censure, swipe or nitpicking of the norms and practices of these religious extremists will likely lead to a blasphemy charge, even if it is a comment regarding the general unruliness of their beards.
One minor clarification here, they cannot be called religious fundamentalists. This is because they fail to grasp the fundamentals of the religion they claim to be following. ‘Nuttersâà ¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ is more appropriate and generally my preference.
The MNA performed drama did not get a positive response from the public or the press, but it did manage to get a standing ovation from the Minister of Culture, who subsequently announced a government ban on the Burqavaganza play to show his appreciation for the drama queens of the national assembly. He was so moved by the MMA performance that he additionally promised further government actions against the key members of the Ajoka Theatre group. I have to admit, as a Pakistani citizen, hearing this news brought a lump to my throat. It wasn’t that I was emotional, it just happened to be part of the process of me regurgitating my last meal, as I got sick to my stomach.
It is clear now that the government’s attempt at promoting ‘enlightened moderation’ in reference to religion has not been very successful. Actually, that is an understatement; it has been an unquestionable, resounding failure. I do admit though that they have managed to create an era of (religious) ‘moderated enlightenmentâ€℠¢. When your faith is judged by the size of your beard or measured by the length of your veil, you are in serious, serious trouble!
Omer Alvie is a Pakistani residing in the UAE and writes, often satirically, on his blog The Olive Ream. He also writes about the Pakistani blog scene at Global Voices. This post was first published at The Olive Ream.
hehehe. Nasir , you keep embarassing your own liberal caba. I thought not to respond you further but now I am enjoying. Nasir, why are you too afraid for not giving definition of “Real scholar”. khair,let me surprise you[your other mates]. Few names are:
1)Allama Talib Jauhri
2)Irfan Haider Abdi.
Now go ahead, and demonstrate your wisdom by giving definition of REAL SCHOLAR first and then prove that these mentioned names are NOT scholars. And yeah, NO trolling this time! *grin*
You have asked the question, now explain what do you mean by scholar in your question with examples of who you consider scholar. Only then anyone can reasonably answer how many of these “scholarsâ€
:-)
Nasir, I knew what’s comming =). No my question was not premature and the lady clarified properly and politely unlike you who are not answering me. You didn’t share your definition of “Real scholars”. Please do remember that the term “real scholar” was mentioned by you not me! Instead of backing your statment, you are running away *grin*. Should I assume that you have not read none of the people who are called “scholars” by others? Kindly answer my question like Ayesha sahiba did. If you can’t then it’s Ok. I don’t mind at all =) Or if you are going to to Ad hominem like your other Hamnawa then I better forgive you =)
[quote comment=”48733″]Adnan–welcome back. I agree with you, although not sure you aren’t trying to use a red herring argument.[/quote]
tina, are you talking of the same person who supported lal masjid militancy tooth and nail till the end even after when doebundi school themselves have disowned lal masjid? Its bugse muawia not hub a ali ie hatred for mqm and not love for public or justice. You will find this phenomenon quite common in the religiously orientated.
Adnan–welcome back. I agree with you, although not sure you aren’t trying to use a red herring argument.