NOT long ago, society used to have a different opinion of people in showbiz. Our elders reacted negatively if their children expressed a desire to be in the performing arts. Girls were especially sternly told to keep away. Not anymore.

Being in the university’s drama club, I have observed a significant change in the students’ and parents’ attitude toward showbiz. When I was preparing for an audition for a play at my university, I was pleasantly surprised to meet people already working in the club.

There were students who took this art seriously at such a young age. Regardless of gender, they seem to be willing to break the wall of prejudices around them. They express every kind of emotions in a most realistic view in a most unrealistic environment – all this to perform on stage and grab that moment.

I wonder what has caused this change. Who has changed the minds of the parents who come to the theatre just to watch their children perform on stage?

There is a list of drama festivals, which students arrange and attend each year with great enthusiasm. The revival of film industry with the release of such movies as ‘War’, ‘Manto’, ‘Doktor’ and ‘Moor’ and the quality of TV serials have greatly strengthened this trend.

Praiseworthy is the diversity of performers, directors and scriptwriters, many with good educational backgrounds. Let’s hope that not only universities but also colleges and schools encourage students’ participation in the performing arts.

Jasia Farooq
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2015