’Both Sit in Silence For a While’ debuts in Islamabad

‘The European Union supports art and culture in Pakistan,’ says Dr. Riina Kionka, Ambassador, European Union

 ’Both Sit in Silence For a While,’ a theatrical production of Olomopolo Media, is a dark comedy, written, directed, and co-produced by Ali Junejo. Having garnered great success in Karachi and Lahore, the play is now being performed at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in  Islamabad, with the collaboration of the European Union.

Featuring such renowned actors as Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq, the play ‘Both Sit in Silence for a While’ guarantees spectators an edge-of-your-seats experience. ’ Packed with musings and reflections, ’Both Sit in Silence For a While’ revolves around all the fun ‘what if’s’ I could throw at these two, I chucked at them mercilessly. To see what would happen,” according to Ali Junejo, the lead actor of the play. Having started his career as a theatre artiste in Karachi, Ali Junejo has previously performed in several plays, such as ‘Waiting for Godot’, ‘Dead End’ and ‘Equus’. Junejo has also made his film debut in ‘Joyland,’ an international award-winning film produced by Saim Sadiq. The film has earned Junejo two awards as best actor.

Rasti Farooq, who acts alongside Junejo and is also the co-producer of the play, said, “Both Sit in Silence Fora While’ tickles that part of my brain that wants to see people be unreasonable and merciless with one another. Because oftentimes that’s the place where most of us hide in our most private moments. It’s been a supreme joy traversing that space with Ali.” Rasti Farooq has performed in various plays and short-films, including ‘Stand Alone’, ‘Gidh’ and ‘May I Have This Seat?’ She made her feature film debut in with Ali Junejo in ‘Joyland’.

Olomopolo Media is breaking barriers as it brings an unconventional story, an intimate audience experience, as well as a boundary-bending take on being coupled,” Kanwal Khoosat, co-producer, stated.

In his address on the occasion, Dr. Riina Kionka, the Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, said, “The European Union supports art and culture in Pakistan and globally as part of its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and fostering mutual understanding between people of different backgrounds. We believe that it can help to foster a sense of shared identity and belonging to build bridges between different communities based on mutual recognition and respect.”