Child Play for Pakistan

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Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows a crop, then whatever bird eats of it, or a human being, or an animal, it counts as charity for him.” He also said, “Whatever is stolen from it, that too counts as charity.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Child Play
for Pakistan

Elementary schools, in general, are open to and encourage learning about various cultures and customs. Pakistani-Americans can use this openness to promote a better understanding about themselves and their roots. It is important to remember that when others understand us, they are more willing to accommodate differences.

Given this openness, you can approach your child's school or teacher to help you organize a play about Pakistani culture or history. An annual play is a tradition in many schools in America. Instead of memorizing timelines and dry facts, a play can helpchildren learn in a dynamic way.

By using the play as a teaching tool, people like Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal, for example, can be seen as the powerful and influential leaders they were instead of justhistorical figures in two dimensions. Or, the struggles of the first generation of Pakistanis who migrated from India can become high drama instead of a dull rendering of facts and figures.

The main elements of any play include a great story, a well-written script, actors, costumes and a set. It does take time, creativity, dedication and organization but a play can be a very powerful educational tool.

Once you have selected a topic, set deadlines for the production -- script completion, finalizing the actors and dates of the first and last practices.

Next, write the script. If the play is historical, use a school play about American history as a model to help you. Enlist the help of a teacher who has put together theater productions.

Once the play is written, have auditions for the parts. Make sure that children of various backgrounds can audition for and get roles in your production. That way, children of all cultures can learn more about Pakistan.

You will need lots of practice but remember to be patient. You can't expect elementary schoolchildren to be professionals who can easily memorize their lines and avoid goof-ups on stage.

Finally, once you see the troops getting the hang of it and the deadline is approaching, advertise -- not just within the school but in the local community as well. Present your work, thank your cast and audience then start figuring out anotherway you can share Pakistan's rich culture and heritage with others!

1. Play Directors Survival Kit: A Complete Step By Step Guide To Producing Theater In Any School Or Community Setting. http://www.opengroup.com/pabooks/087/087628862X.shtml

2. Online source for play scripts: http://scriptsforschools.com/

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:47:44 PM