LAHORE: Ajoka’s Dosti International Theatre Festival continued to captivate audiences on its 5th day at Alhamra Arts Council.

Italian mime and actor Paolo Avatàneo delighted the audience with his engaging silent performance. Known for his work across the globe, Avatàneo’s playful portrayal of a mischievous elf received loud applause, with its expressive physicality and comic surprise.

His performances, which have entertained audiences in over 30 countries, combine humour with universal appeal.

The Laksamana Cultural Community from Indonesia showcased their powerful drama, Ark That Remains Silent. Directed by Martion, this performance delves into themes of love, jealousy and betrayal set against the backdrop of traditional Indonesian culture. The emotional depth and cultural richness of the performance captivated the audience. Beside Italian and Indonesian performances, Gohar Ali drama party one local group from Dijkot presented their cultural performance. The group depicted the historical story of Raja Gopichand in traditional theme of story telling mixed with folk songs and rich music. Renowned dancer Sheema Kermani and choreographer Wahab Shah attended the performance, appreciating the actors’ remarkable acts.

Ajoka’s Executive Director Shahid Nadeem welcomed the artists at the beginning of the event, emphasizing the importance of such international collaborations in enriching the cultural landscape of Pakistan. “The Dosti International Theatre Festival is a testament to the power of theatre to bridge cultures and bring people together through art,” he said.

The festival also features outdoor cultural performances, including puppet shows, folk theatre, and Bhand comedy, providing an immersive experience for festival-goers.

Traditional songs added an extra layer of enjoyment for the audience. Ajoka’s Dosti International Theatre Festival will continue until Nov 17, 2024, at Alhamra Arts Council, with 11 theatre groups from around the world showcasing their talent. A play on Maharani Jinda will be performed on Nov 16.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024