Forman Christian College’s annual English play, The Last Laugh, which premiered recently to an open audience at the Sinclair Hall, successfully dealt with a theme most young people of present day would be able to connect with: follow your passion, no matter how the society regards or disregards it.

The play’s protagonist Yasir aspires to become a standup comedian, but his ambition is constantly denounced by his assertive father who considers it a waste of time. Yasir’s only support is his older sister but she too leaves him in the lurch the moment she realises what disgrace his occupation-to-be could bring to the family.

On the other hand, Yasir’s friends, who gave him a slot in their café, believe he is not doing well as a standup, as they have to explain his jokes to the audiences after the show every time. And, so Yasir is left alone.

What unfolds is a somewhat confusing series of scenes where the protagonist realises his dream, makes his father proud but (yes, but!) is left with the same void.

The central theme of the play was how the society at large expects you to be ‘a particular way’. And, if you resist being that way, your own family can sometimes disown you.

Directed by Khurram Nawaz Sheikh and written by Narmeen Ijaz, The Last Laugh, thus, raised a pertinent issue.

There were a few glitches, though. Abdullah as Yasir seemed unable to summon the energy and conviction required by his character. The rest of the actors too just faded away. Komal Dar as Yasir’s sibling was one stand-out performer. With her spot-on dialogue delivery and pitch of voice, she could be called the saving grace of the play.

Music composer Ashbeel Wilson lent some moving music to the play.

The final performance of the play was attended by renowned actor-director Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Madiha Gauhar. Though they commended the team for pulling off an enjoyable play, they did mention the flaws for the education of the cast and the crew.

They also offered to help the dramatics team of the FCC anytime in future.