LAHORE: The six-day Alhamra Theatre Festival organised by Lahore Arts Council is continuously roping in large audiences as theatre lovers not only from Lahore but other cities are visiting Alhamra to enjoy performances.

On Saturday [too], Hall No 1 of Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, was jam-packed with theatre buffs who were sitting even on side stairs or on the floor.

The Sufi Tabassum Academy on Saturday staged a marvelous production Aj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu, a play written by Sufi Nisar Ahmed, son of legendary writer late Sufi Tabassum.

The play was written back in 60s. It has been enacted so many times by leading actors and directors. The play staged at Alhamra was directed by Agha Shahid, a known short story writer.

Addressing a large gathering prior to the play, Chairperson Sufi Tabassum Academy Dr Fauzia Tabassum shared with the audience the background of the play.

Dr Fauzia, the granddaughter of Sufi Tabassum, said the play was written at a time when writers and intellectuals had their era and aura.

Dilating upon the basic concept [of the play], she said Sufi saint Waris Shah was shown in the play who came to this world from the world of spirituality and just wondered how young boys and girls were interacting with each other. Since Waris Shah wrote Heer, he saw the world through the window of that writing of his.

With a recorded music, the three-act play had a realistic and elegant set presenting the scene of a garden and trees and plants were tastefully placed at the stage.

On the concluding day [Sunday], Azad Theatre will present its production Prem Gali Ki Prem Kahani. A ceremony will be held to give shields and certificates to performers.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2019