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TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF SUICIDE

Have you ever wondered what to say to someone struggling with suicidal thoughts — someone feeling trapped, contemplating the end of their life? Would your words truly reach them, guiding them away from that dark path, or could those very words push them further, driving them to leap into the unknown?

What would you do in such a moment, where every step you take feels as fragile as the one they are walking, balancing between life and death?

These complex questions along with many other key mental health issues were thoughtfully explored in a brilliantly executed theatre play that opened its doors to Karachiites last weekend at T2F. The play delivered a much-needed reality check for a society grappling with depression, PTSD, and deeply personal struggles. A trigger warning was given at the start to those watching and after that, you spent the next 1.5 hours in the grips of the cast of ’night, Mother.

Originally written by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman, ’night, Mother was masterfully adapted and directed in Urdu by Sana Toaha. Not only did she flawlessly translate the play into a local context, but she also brought it to life both as a director and as the epilepsy-stricken daughter, Zehra, in this intimate mother-daughter drama.

Opposite her was the phenomenal Raana Kazmi, who didn’t just play the mother Maryam — she seemed to channel her very essence, delivering a performance that left the audience speechless. Together, they pulled the audience into their world, shedding away the layers of complicated emotional issues that are often neglected in our daily lives and should instead be discussed openly. The audience was fully in sync with the emotional highs and lows as the actors skillfully brought these issues to the forefront.

The play revolved around these two central characters, weaving a narrative that touched on family loss, illness, motherhood, ageing, and more. It gracefully blended dark humour, light-hearted moments, and even comedic anecdotes, all while moving toward the heavier theme of suicide. And, alongside these difficult themes, the play was also able to beautifully capture the bittersweet dynamic of the mother-daughter relationship, adding an emotional depth that resonated deeply with those watching.

Speaking about the creative process behind the production, director Toaha told Images that from the moment she first read the play, she felt it was deeply relevant to Pakistani society, where mental health issues are often shrouded by stigma and taboo. “I’ve seen so many people struggling with these challenges,” she said. “People even asked me why I was creating such a ‘depressing’ play, but I couldn’t ignore how relatable it was.”

Actor Kazmi, who previously directed the intense and critically acclaimed play Lungs, echoed Toaha’s thoughts. She emphasised the importance of addressing difficult topics, such as mental health and suicide, despite the discomfort they may evoke in society.

“I’m glad the audience understood what we were trying to convey,” Kazmi said. “It was heartening to see many people later share their own stories with us. It shows that they connected with what we presented.”

The impact of the play extended beyond mere understanding; many in the audience were moved to tears. Some even needed to step out for a moment to process their emotions. The pamphlets distributed before the performance, in collaboration with the Taskeen Health Initiative, provided essential resources and a helpline, helping create a supportive environment. Their helpline is 0316-TASKEEN (8275336).

T2F’s tailor-made setting

The setting itself was spectacular. The set that the team created at T2F felt like home and gave off exactly the kind of environment required for the play. The audience wasn’t just watching; they were inside Zehra and Maryam’s house, witnessing their lives unfold on one strange, unforgettable night. The whole look of T2F — from its kitchen area to the main hall — made it feel as though the space had been tailor-made for this act.

Even the themes within themes clicked

Ingenious in its creativity, it is important to mention that the play couldn’t have arrived at a more crucial time. With the nation burdened by political and economic instability, and brutal images from Gaza weighing heavily on people’s minds, the play felt both on point and timely. Toaha skillfully incorporated references to the ongoing atrocities in Gaza into the narrative, urging the audience not to turn a blind eye to the suffering.

While this wasn’t part of the original script, the adaptation served as a powerful reminder to confront the misery around us rather than detach from it.

At the end, the team thanked their partner, Yogeshwar Karera, and other supporters, including their collaborator Mauj. among several others, for helping bring the story to life, and it was clear that their combined efforts made the experience truly special. The play ran at T2F in Karachi from September 20 to 22.

If you or anyone around you is struggling with mental health, here are some places to reach out to for help:

• Rozan Counselling Helpline: 0304-111-1741
• Umang Hotline (Mental Health Support): 03117786264
• Taskeen Helpline: 0316 8275336

Last year, the government also launched Humraaz, a mental health application, along with an integrated helpline of 1166.