To mark the birth cenetary of Saadat Hasn Manto in 2012, Zambeel Dramatic Readings presented a selection of his plays from the series titled Aao. Manto wrote these short plays in Mumbai specifically for radio and the collection was published in 1940. Amongst these, Aao Kahaanai Likhein (Come, let's write a story) is mentioned in All India Radio 1939 progress report as one of the most successful production of the series. Each play presents a delightful banter between the husband Kishore, the wife Lajwanti, and their friend Narayan. Light-hearted and animated in nature, these lesser knows plays represent the writer in a different light. This recording represents four plays, presented in 2012 and 2013 in Karachi before a live audience. Zambeel Dramtic Readings aims to present texts in Urdu and English rendered in their dramatised form, to create a dynamic collusion between literature and performance. Referencing traditions of storytelling and the contemporary form of the radio play, our works traverse time and geographical boundaries to interpret and enliven narratives through sound and recitation.

© 2020 Urdu Studio (Audiobook): 9781509483624

Release date

Audiobook: 5 February 2020