Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play “Doubt: A Parable” Premieres in Urdu as “Waswasa: Ek Kahani” in Islamabad

The success of Waswasa stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of theatre in Pakistan

By DTD- On Jul 28, 2025

Islamabad — For the first time in Pakistan’s theatrical history, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play is being officially performed in Urdu. The Chand Nagar Cultural Centre proudly presented “Waswasa: Ek Kahani”, the Urdu adaptation of Doubt: A Parable by acclaimed American playwright John Patrick Shanley, on July 26 and 27 at the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Auditorium in Islamabad.

The play, translated into Urdu by Adil Yousaf and Imran Iftikhar, and directed by Iftikhar himself, marks a major milestone for local theatre. “It’s a historic moment for Pakistani theatre,” said Iftikhar, who is also a seasoned theatre educator. “To my knowledge, this is the first time a Pulitzer Prize-winning play is being officially adapted and staged in Urdu with the playwright’s formal permission.”

Originally written in 2004, Doubt: A Parable is a gripping exploration of faith, suspicion, morality, and institutional power. Set in a Catholic school in the U.S., the play has been thoughtfully recontextualized for a Pakistani audience, with the story unfolding in a small-town school in Punjab. The local adaptation retains the original’s emotional intensity and moral ambiguity while reflecting the cultural and societal nuances of the region.

The play revolves around a school principal’s suspicions regarding a male teacher’s relationship with a student, sparking an ethical battle that challenges the characters — and the audience — to question the nature of truth and belief.

The production was brought to life by a talented cast of emerging actors from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and received wide praise for its bold storytelling, nuanced performances, and high production quality. “This play is a powerful mirror to society,” said one audience member. “It forces you to confront uncomfortable questions about authority, justice, and conscience.”

Chand Nagar Cultural Centre, known for its commitment to socially relevant and thought-provoking theatre, hopes this production will pave the way for more international works to be adapted for local audiences. “We aim to make theatre a space for cultural dialogue and artistic excellence,” said the Centre in a statement.

The play was originally adapted into an Oscar-nominated film in 2008, starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Now, its Urdu stage adaptation Waswasa: Ek Kahani is introducing Pakistani audiences to the same powerful narrative in a language and setting that speaks directly to their context.

The success of Waswasa stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of theatre in Pakistan — one that embraces global narratives while staying rooted in local relevance.