Qissa Khwani Theatrics is premiering the late British playwright Sarah Kane’s final play, 4.48 Psychosis, in association with Emalaak Marketing and media partners Capital TV, at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad today.
4.48 Psychosis will be shown from 20 to 23 October between 7 PM and 9:30 PM.
Adopted by filmmaker Ahmad Umar Ayaz with producers Afraz Khan Afridi, Muhammad Kamran, and Asfandyar Khan, the play is an immersive experience of a mind suffering from clinical depression and psychosis.
Here is its official trailer:
Honoring the Celebrated Tradition of Tale-Telling
According to its official social media page, Qissa Khwani Theatrics takes its name from the celebrated tradition of tale-telling. its goal “is to come up with stories, which are compelling but ignored and to present them on theater with unprecedented innovations”.
Its logo is also inspired by the American poet of mystery and macabre, Edgar Allan Poe.
Qissa Khwani describes itself as “the voice of a collapsed mind, spoken in the dichotomy of living and dying”.
Director Ahmad Umar Ayaz’s note to the audience reads: “Theatre carries a paradoxical creative capacity. This is to inspire and upset at the same time. The inspiration comes from the direct impact of theatrical elements on the nerves of the audience while the upset originates from the exaggerated representation of reality. I am sure this play will inspire and upset you”.
About the Playwright
Sarah Kane was a respected English playwriter and theater director. 4.48 Psychosis was her final play before her death in 1999.
According to one of her friends, the title of the play is derived from the time 4:48 AM when Kane, in her depressed state, would often wake up.
The play was first staged at the Royal Court’s Jerwood Theatre Upstairs on 23 June 2000 by director James Macdonald.
Viewer Discretion Advised
4.48 Psychosis is not suited for anyone under the age of 18, nor is it recommended for people with photosensitive epilepsy or clinical mental conditions.
Why an upsetting play is being presented? People have real problems to deal with. Why everyone should watch this stuff?