LAHORE: The Ajoka Theatre has announced holding the International Theatre Festival from Nov 9 to 17.

The theme of the festival is ‘Dosti’ and it aims to celebrate the bonds that unite artistes across cultures and borders.

It was announced by Shahid Nadeem in a press conference at Alhamra Art Centre on Monday.

The festival will showcase an array of performances, including plays, dance dramas, mimes and comedy, featuring talented artists from 12 countries, including India, Iran, Indonesia, Spain and the USA. This mega cultural event promises to offer a unique platform for international cultural exchange and collaboration, highlighting the universal language of theatre.

Being held in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council and supported by the Punjab government, the International Theatre Festival is aimed at fostering cultural understanding and appreciation through performing arts. Audiences can look forward to a diverse line-up of performances that will entertain, inspire and provoke thought, making it a hallmark event in Lahore’s cultural calendar.

“We believe that theatre has the power to bridge gaps and build friendships. This festival is not just about performances, it’s about bringing people together to celebrate our shared humanity. The event will also project the image of Pakistan as a land of peace and rich cultural heritage,” said Nadeem.

Besides indoor performances, there would be regular outdoor performances as well, showcasing Pakistan’s folk performing arts, including Bhangra, Qawwali, stand-up comedy and drum circle. The nine-day festival will open with an opening ceremony and will offer a rich experience, including workshops, discussions, and opportunities for local artists to engage with their international counterparts.

Workshops and talks at educational institutions like GC University and Kinnaird College will also be held. A panel discussion on theatre for peace will take place on Nov 15 and the panelists will include theatre professionals from Iran, India, the US and China.

There will be no tickets but the audience will be required to obtain invitation cards from Ajoka office in Lahore Cantt or Alhamra Arts Centre.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2024