First mega event conducted at the JS Auditorium, by Naatak Brigade - IBA Dramatics Society

Intra-IBA drama competition, The Fringe 2014, happened from 9th-11th December'14. It was the first mega event to be held to be held in the newly-constructed Jehangir Siddiqui Auditorium in City Campus and the Society’s second annual Fringe competition. Unlike most other events, the 3-day Fringe event started off with its social event, the exhilarating musical performance of artists Naseer & Shahab of Coke Studio, Season 7.

The auditorium stage was set with the red, green, blue effects of laser lights and stage lights that were in sync with the fast and slow flows of music. The performers left the attending crowd mesmerized with their powerful vocals and thumping beats that resounded with the heartbeats of the people. The kick off performance was a rocked-out version of Bibi Shireen followed by a display of mini-fireworks on stage. The audience then sang long, raising their hands and chanting with the musicians.

This was also one of the few events where the use of lights and the fog created amazing 3D effects visible on stage. The premiere night closed off leaving the audience moved. They also took selfies with the performers. On Day 2 and 3 of The Fringe, a total of 16 teams that were shortlisted for the event, competed for the category awards of best actor, best actress, best director, best script, best play and the FRINGE CHAMPIONS. A total of Rs.50,000/- was given away as cash prizes to the winners of these awards.

Although no theme was decided for the competition, the teams occurred to highlight the issues of misery, madness and mental disorders through characters that portrayed humor, tragedy, supporting roles and central figures.

Dramas including Maqafat e Eemal, Majbur, A Man’s Wish (FRINGE CHAMPIONS), That is God, Pagal Khanay Ke Pagal Khanay, Aar Ya Pyaar, Zaaviya (Best Script), Anjam e Gulistan, Degre Toh Degree Hoti Hai, Pachtawa, Pukar (Best Actor), Ghar Tou Pagal Hai (Best Director/Best Actress), Who Jo Qarz Rakhi Thi and Yeh Kya Haqeeqat Hai combined elements of comedy with moral messages that reflected the issues the Pakistani society faces today.

The most-awaited stage play, Dukhtar (Best Play), was based on the persecution of women in Kabul, Afghanistan and received strong positive response from the audience. The English play, Lysa, was an elite class, modern-day romantic story in which the characters delivered scenes of love, sacrifice, regret & revenge.

The closing ceremony was held after the last play & included a round of trivia questions for which gift hampers were distributed. Shan Foods was the Platinum sponsor for The ​Fringe along with California and Hoagies as food sponsors. The awards for the best MT members from each department were announced followed by the awards for dramas that were distributed at the very end of the show. The winners and management team members then jumped onto the stage to cheer for their friends, dance and share the last few moments of joy!