Arshad Mushtaq is a Kashmir-based dramatist and designer whose work has garnered critical acclaim and widespread appreciation. He is presenting ‘Maag: A Kashmiri Opera’ on February 17 evening at Medai – The Stage, a theatre hall in Sriram Nagar, Alwarpet.
This play is an adaptation of Macbeth in poetic verse and Arshad says he reimagines Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a dystopian tale steeped in the rich cultural tapestry of Kashmir.
This opera unfolds in lyrical Kashmiri verse, seamlessly blending the traditional folk theatre of Bhaand Pather with modern theatre.
The opera’s minimalist cast underscores its experimental ethos, with each performer embodying multiple roles and seamlessly shifting between characters. There are three enigmatic shamans, personified as a Cat, Hyena, and Raven and they are brought to life through striking physicality and symbolic costumes, each reflecting their influence over the protagonist’s fate.
The play has been composed on Kashmiri Sufi maqaams.
Theatre for Kashmir (TfK) which Arshad leads, has been a pivotal force in the region’s cultural landscape for the past two decades. With 18 productions to its name, TfK has also conducted numerous workshops for children and young adults. The group has showcased its work across South Asia and North America, earning accolades for its ability to authentically reflect the Kashmiri narrative.
Arshad has made significant strides in nurturing young talent through his ongoing work with children and young adults. Under the eduTheatre initiative, he recently achieved a historic feat by directing an opera featuring 628 children on stage, titled ‘Assi Aies te Aisse Aasav’.
Arshad has also been instrumental in bringing the age-old Kashmiri Bhaand Pather to the prosenium stage, integrating modern design elements while staying true to its folk narrative style.
Arshad also teaches film, theatre, communication, space design, and innovation at NIFT – Srinagar.
