Loha Kutt: A tale of patriarchy, possession and rebellion in a Punjabi village
A play by Balwant Gargi
Directed by Faheem Muzaffar
The play:
Written in 1944, Loha Kutt became notorious for portraying how poverty and patriarchy come together in the Punjabi village.
The play depicts the life of Kaku, a lohar (blacksmith) during the Second World War. Kaku’s masculine pride receives a blow from his headstrong daughter Beenu who has fallen in love against her father’s wishes. The ensuing family drama reveals a carefully guarded secret that will shake their lives.
The writer:
Born in Battala, Punjab in 1916, Balwant Gargi is considered the first modern Punjabi playwright. Gargi remained controversial throughout his distinguished career as a playwright and drama teacher. Having studied in Government College and Forman Christian College, Lahore and begun his career writing in English, Gargi took to writing in his native language of Punjabi upon the insistence of Rabindranath Tagore. Gargi founded the Indian Theatre Department at the University of Punjab, Chandigarh. His students included Kiren Kher and Anupam Kher.
Cast
- Muhammad Haris
- Maria Ghaffar
- Shazia Asim
- Mehvish Sardar
- Mashal Gohar
- Bisma Ahmed
- Shariq Ayub
- Bisma Ahmed
- Usama Lali
- Hassan Raza
- Muhammad Hamza Mushtaq
Music
Vocals: Sara Kazmi
Flute and tabla: Hanif Khan
