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Mauj. — a haven for the creative arts — continues its mission of promoting theatre, performing arts, and creative expression with its latest offering, Lungs. Originally penned by British playwright Duncan Macmillan, Lungs has seen various renditions across the globe, from the UK to Russia. This time, it graces the local stage, adapted into Urdu and directed by Raana Kazmi. The play, featuring Yogeshwar Karera and Manal Siddiqui, delves into the profound and intimate conversations of a couple navigating the complexities of life.

Lungs is not your typical theatrical production. It foregoes elaborate sets, light designs, and costume changes to focus purely on the dialogue and the raw emotions it elicits. The play follows a couple, M (Man) and W (Woman), through 60+ scenes, each capturing pivotal moments in their relationship. The opening act sets the tone with a heated debate about the decision to have a child, touching on themes of economic responsibility, climate change, and the burdens of motherhood.

Sitting in the audience, it feels as though you’re privy to an extremely private conversation. The simplicity of the setting amplifies the gravity of their discussions, making the audience reflect on similar life decisions. It’s heartening to witness such conversations on stage, especially in these pressing times as they mirror the very real concerns of couples striving for a sustainable future.

Tackling real issues

Despite the serious nature of the issues addressed — ranging from carbon footprints and economic pressures to the emotional challenges of parenthood and the corporate versus creative career dichotomy — there’s a lightness in the dialogue that keeps the play grounded and relatable. The characters’ exchanges, assumed to occur during mundane activities like grocery shopping or driving, inject a sense of everyday reality into their existential debates.

This balance between seriousness and playfulness prevents the play from becoming overly preachy, especially considering the issues it attempts to address. It keeps the audience engaged, drawing them into the couple’s world, and making them reflect on their own lives and decisions. The scenes, though numerous, flow seamlessly, capturing the ebb and flow of the couple’s journey through life.

Yogeshwar Karera, a National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) graduate, brings a nuanced performance to the stage. His portrayal of M is subtly powerful, with silent facial expressions that add depth to his character without overshadowing the dialogue. His acting is a class in restraint, complementing the script’s demands and enhancing the authenticity of the scenes.

Manal Siddiqui, also a NAPA-trained actor, delivers a powerhouse performance. Her dialogue delivery, facial expressions, and body language are spot on, capturing the emotional turmoil and strength of her character. There are moments when her performance seems to overshadow Karera’s, but this can be attributed to the script’s focus on W’s lengthy monologues. Together, their chemistry brings the script to life, making the audience feel every moment of their journey.

While this was Raana’s directorial debut, she has done an immaculate job with a focus on performances. Lungs sets a high bar for her upcoming directorial endeavours.

A play for our times

Lungs resonates deeply with today’s audience, especially young and fairly young couples who are about to enter this stage or are even considering parenthood, reflecting their anxieties and hopes, with their picture-perfect expectation of holding a baby’s hands and feet, to the more emotionally-demanding a child can grow up to be.

The conversations between M and W feel incredibly real and relevant, highlighting the responsibility all of us share in making decisions for a liveable and sustainable future. It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of thoughtful dialogue and the courage to face life’s challenges together.

The play is a testament to the idea that successful creative efforts don’t rely on ostentatious budgets, elaborate sets, or appealing costumes. Instead, it’s driven by a quirky, brilliant group of people determined to produce micro-budget pieces that push the boundaries of what’s possible with minimal funding. Its resonance demonstrates that even in a performing arts industry riddled with basic challenges, the rising swell of unique and creative voices cannot be suppressed. However, perhaps the play attempts to address too many issues for a single production to focus on effectively.

Mauj.‘s adaptation of Lungs is a testament to the power of theatre to provoke thought and foster empathy. The play runs at T2F from August 2 to 4, with tickets available at ticketwala.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a compelling exploration of the human condition, brought to life by exceptional performances and a script that speaks to the heart of contemporary issues.