Karel Čapek, a renowned Czech playwright, wrote “The White Plague" in 1937 as a scathing satire against fascist dictatorships. At the centre of the plot is an unnamed European state, distantly reminiscent of Nazi Germany, where preparations for global war are raging under the leadership of a Chancellor. In this repressive environment, a deadly epidemic breaks out, claiming thousands of victims, from soldiers to workers. In the midst of this crisis, hope arises thanks to an unknown doctor who discovers a cure but imposes a radical condition - an end to all wars. This proposal is unacceptable to a state whose ideology is based on war. Karel Čapek, a humanist at heart, explored the soul of his times and joined the struggle for democracy and against the Munich Agreement of 1938.

Director Meher Jaffri, President of Bodhicitta Works, comes up with a modern and experimental adaptation of “The White Plague”. This Urdu rendition draws inspiration from dramatic greats such as Antonin Artaud, Bertolt Brecht and Jerzy Grotowski. The paradigm shift incorporates elements of realism, absurdism and surrealist theatre to bring the audience an intense experience and a compulsion to confront the problems of contemporary society.

We cordially invite you to attend the premiere of this artwork at the Arts Council in Karachi on 22 November, and subsequently daily to 26 November 2023, you have a unique opportunity to be a part of this theatrical experience at the highest level.