Concept to Creation: Navigating the Journey

Lams-e-Ishq ( touch of love) | Stage Performance | Thesis

In our one-act play, we weave together the rich tapestry of love and relationships through five poignant scenes. The overarching theme underscores the profound importance of not only practicing your spouse's love language but also understanding your own. It's a powerful reminder that love doesn't always fit neatly into the molds we envision.

Throughout the performance, we witness couples navigating the intricate dance of love languages. Scene by scene, we learn that expecting love to be expressed precisely as we imagine it can lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Yet, it's equally crucial to recognize and appreciate our partner's sincere efforts to communicate love in their unique way.

We delve into the courage required to go an extra mile for our loved ones, embracing actions that resonate with their love language, even if it falls outside our comfort zone. It's a lesson in selflessness and empathy that transcends the boundaries of love.

And finally, we confront the harsh reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts and regardless of love languages, the path to happiness may lead to the difficult decision of parting ways. It's a reminder that love, in all its forms, should ultimately nurture our well-being.

In this one-act play, we invite the audience to reflect on the intricacies of love, understanding, and compromise within the intricate fabric of relationships, leaving them with profound questions about the nature of love and the courage to explore its many facets.

Stage Performance- Thesis Artifact Series Bible

In my thesis artifact, the Series Bible, I meticulously documented every facet of my creative journey, from ideation to execution. It became the heartbeat of my thesis stage performance, infusing it with depth and dimension.

Within its pages, I meticulously crafted character breakdowns, delving into the very souls of the individuals populating my narrative. Each scene was meticulously mapped out, weaving a tapestry of emotions and plotlines that would captivate the audience.

But the Series Bible went further. It painted a vivid picture of my vision with character mood boards, allowing me to visualize the essence of each personality. Set designs for every scene were meticulously detailed, breathing life into the backdrop of our story.

And then there were the director's notes, a treasure trove of insights into the artistic choices and nuances that would bring my vision to life on the stage.

In essence, the Series Bible was the compass that guided me from inception to realization, ensuring that every aspect of my thesis stage performance was a harmonious symphony of creativity and purpose.

National Academy of Performing Arts - NAPA

In the midst of the challenges posed by the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, my thesis play became a journey of adaptation and resilience. With immense gratitude to the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), I had the privilege of utilizing their prestigious stage for a two-day performance that would ultimately take a different form due to the circumstances.

The original plan was to present our thesis play live, that would engage the audience in a dynamic, immersive experience. However, the safety of everyone involved remained our top priority, and the circumstances demanded a change in approach.

Instead, we pivoted to a video production, meticulously crafting every scene to capture the essence of our thesis. This transformation required us to rethink our creative process, drawing upon innovative techniques and technology to bring our vision to life on screen.

Despite the unexpected challenges, our journey to complete the thesis was marked by determination and a deep passion for storytelling. We adapted to the times, using the medium of video to convey our narrative with the same dedication and artistic integrity that we had originally planned for the stage.

In the end, our thesis play, while different from our initial vision, stands as a testament to our resilience and the enduring power of art to transcend obstacles. It became a reflection of the times we live in, a reminder that creativity knows no bounds, and that even in the face of adversity, the show must go on. My heartfelt gratitude for NAPA for their support during this transformative experience will never die.

Scene 5- Biqray Panay ( Acts of Service)

In Scene 5 of my thesis, we delve into the love language of "acts of service" within South Asian married couples. This scene serves as a profound testament to the transformative power of understanding and expressing love in a way that genuinely resonates with your partner. It underscores that when couples truly grasp the essence of each other's love languages and aspire to enhance their relationship, they not only become better partners but better human beings.

The scene passionately advocates the acceptance of the coexistence of two love languages in a marriage. However, it firmly warns that if spouses fail to acknowledge each other's love languages, the seeds of resentment may sprout, potentially leading to separation or divorce. Yet, it's a scene of hope, for it emphasizes that couples can rekindle their connection if they earnestly endeavour to adapt their ways to align with their spouse's love language and simultaneously acknowledge their own.

Whether you're not naturally inclined toward acts of service or if your spouse doesn't resonate with gift-giving, the scene imparts the wisdom of embracing the opportunity to grow as individuals within the loving embrace of a partnership.

Scene 4- Darar ( Physical Touch)

In Scene 4 of my thesis, where the love language of "physical touch" takes centre stage within South Asian married couples, a vital lesson unfolds. It becomes evident that when your spouse earnestly attempts to practice your love language, the wisest approach is to grant them the space and time to express it in their own unique manner. Insisting on a rigid set of expectations can only breed bitterness and conflict. The scene emphasizes that failing to provide this understanding and acceptance can ultimately lead to emotional separation and even a sense of competition, rather than the deep connection that love should nurture. The importance of embracing your partner's efforts in a manner that encourages them to continue practicing your love language is what the key takeaway from this scene is. It underscores that it's entirely acceptable to have different love languages simultaneously. For instance, if your spouse prefers acts of service as their primary love language rather than physical touch, understanding and accepting this can prevent unnecessary strife.

Scene 3- Table Talk ( Gift Giving)

In Scene 3 of my thesis, I delve into the love language of "gift giving" within South Asian married couples. This scene starkly illustrates how a lack of understanding of one's spouse's love language can lead to deep-seated bitterness and strained feelings. It serves as a powerful reminder that failing to make a sincere effort to practice your partner's love language, no matter how rational reasoning you may present, can result in emotional dissonance between couples. The consequences are vividly portrayed through angry and contentious conflicts, exposing the harsh reality that love, when not expressed in the way it's truly felt, can lead to painful misunderstandings and discord within a marriage.

Scene 2- Samjhota ( Quality Time )

In Scene 2 of my thesis, I shift the spotlight to the love language of "quality time" within South Asian married couples. Here, we witness a poignant portrayal of couples who, over the years, have concealed their grievances, allowing resentment to fester. Despite actively implementing their spouse's love language, their marriage has evolved into a desolate landscape devoid of love. Hearts that once skipped a beat for each other now beat with indifference, and their shared existence seems driven solely by the commitment to their children. Their emotional bandwidth no longer aligns, leaving their marriage in a state of emotional dissonance, where even the most sincere attempts at connecting fall short, and a sense of exasperation and discontent lingers between them.

Scene 1- Ehsaas (Words of Affirmation)

In Scene 1 of my thesis, I delve into the intricate dynamics of love within South Asian married couples, with a particular focus on the love language of "words of affirmation." This scene beautifully illustrates how open and honest communication, coupled with a deep understanding between partners, can yield a harmonious and resentment-free relationship. It highlights the significance of comprehending and actively implementing one's spouse's love language as a transformative force that can strengthen the very foundation of a marriage, proving that love, when expressed and received in the right language, can truly work wonders.