ISLAMABAD: A harmony of sound, light and movement resonated from the home where a couple lived with their 19-year-old son Shero. The youngster had a bright future and the parents had big dreams for him. Life was as it was meant to be, until the day he was no more.

Captured in a stage play titled 19: A Shattered Dream, this is the story of Karim Khan Afridi, who died last year from drug abuse.

Produced by the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation, the play depicts the lives of a couple trying to move on with their lives with poise, after the loss of their teenage son.

The play opened at the National Art Gallery on Tuesday, and is based on true events from the lives of former ambassador Tariq Afridi, his wife Cristina von Sperling Afridi, and their 19-year-old son.

`We can no longer close our eyes and pray in a world of uncertainties. We must protect our children,` Cristina Afridi said as she welcomed her guests, and commended the efforts of allthose who had made the theatre performance possible.

Started in the memory of her son, the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation works to raise drug awareness among youngsters aged between 13 and 19. The foundation aims to engage the youth in sport, environmental activities and encourages the development of civic sense.

S. Mushfiq Murshed, the playwright, stated that drug use has reached menacing proportions due to continued negligence.

Curtains opened to a scene of bereavement and loss, followed by the two parents going through photos of their son. From then on, the play drifted between scenes from the present and the past, as the couple reminisced and tried to console each other.

From scenes of a happy life, the play devolved into moments where drug abuse reared its head.

For many cast members, it was their first time on stage. But whether it was Wali Ahmed as Shero, or Irum Rehman as Shero`s mother, everyone was comfortable and convincing as their characters. They only hadtwo weeks to prepare for the play without any production manager.

The play was, however, weak in direction.

In addition, the opening performance this Tuesday was plagued with problems in thesound system and the lighting, which organisers must deal with over the next three days. The organizers must also ensure that movement behind the curtain is as inconspicuous as possible.

`A Shattered Dream` will beperformed in other cities and a film version of the play will be circulated in public and private schools. The play will also be translated into Urdu so that its message can be conveyed to a larger audience.