Last night I went to an Auratnaak performance along with a couple of others, one of whom had been involved in the past. It took place in a small room in G-8, the room painted with truck art on the walls. I am rather suspicious about truck art now — that said, I’ve just bought myself a length of fabric print, intending to make shoe bags out of it. It became very crowded and stuffy, enough that I nearly fled at some point, but then some of the people sitting around me actually did flee so it became less close.
The sets were a mixed bag. Some were excellent, including one first-time performer, an elderly woman who told a hilarious story in Punjabi. Another was a young woman talking about how she always came ‘fust’ and was very good indeed, though I was later told that she has even better sets. Both of these were clear naturals. A few had some sparks, kept the audience engaged and laughing, a few others had at least 1-2 amusing bits and yet others were just not very good. From this account a reader will gather that there were far too many performers and by the end only the members of the troupe were still laughing and cheering.
Afterwards there were samosas and mingling, and lots of the beautful young professionals of Islamabad, all in in the uniforms: sleek dark western attire, or else slightly boho desi attire. I had turned up in my jogging pants and a t-shirt so was definitely out of place.
I think I have lost a great deal of sociability and it feels especially acute in Pakistan, slightly less so in London. Ah well. I am just happier when I’m not in a big crowd of people.