Jazz brings A.R Gurney’s “Love Letters” to Lahore

Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital communications company, has partnered with renowned director Hameed Haroon, to showcase a play called “Love Letters.” Written by Pulitzer-prize nominee A.R. Gurney, the play was performed by two world-class artists Rehana Saigol and Imran Aslam. The letter reading depicts a story of two people in love who write soulful letters to each other from their youth to their advanced years. Literature enthusiasts, as well as Jazz’s business partners came together to find solace in a lost art form.

Jazz is in its 25^th year in Pakistan and has played a significant part in the digital revolution. To this end, the event also shed light on how communication has transformed over the years. This latest Jazz adaptation of the famous play is unique in a way that it transforms the age-old letter writing into digital social media conversations to depict a sharp contrast between communication, then and now. Increasingly, conversations have moved towards becoming less profound and more fleeting on the smart phone.

The actors, giants in their own right, sit side by side at their tables and read the love notes, letters and cards they had exchanged over 50 years. They discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats as they live apart, making separate experiences.

Through this unique take on the play, Jazz sought to convey the message of the importance of words and the craft of persuasion. “Hameed Haroon is one of Pakistan’s most inspiring intellectuals,” said Ali Naseer, Chief Corporate & Enterprise Officer at Jazz. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with him for an evening dedicated to enjoying great art, but also to remind people that digitalization can and should find a way to continue to connect people.”

Both actors shared their views, as well, where Rehana Saigol said, “Relationships are all about communicating. The difference between then and now is the incredible immediacy of modern communication.” while Imran Aslam stated, “Communication – now it’s sooner. Back then it was later.”

With about 200 people attending, the event concluded with a networking dinner. During the evening, guests visited a booth to send family and loved ones old-fashioned letters, digitally.