PESHAWAR: Local performers, mostly volunteers, staged a live Pashto theatre play titled ‘Zye Poha’ (indigenous wisdom) in Nishtar Hall here the other day. The play was staged under the auspices of Mafkoora in collaboration with KP culture and tourism authority, where a large number of audience turned up.

Around 15 young performers played out different roles in the play that focused on the significance of indigenous wisdom referring to deep accumulated knowledge, practices, beliefs and worldviews developed and preserved over thousands of years by local people.

Hayat Roghani, CEO of Mafkoora, while opening the play said the main purpose of the initiative was to revive the positive aspects of local art and culture, which encouraged co-existence, mutual respect and pluralism alongside advocacy for peace and justice in the society.

He added the live theatre revolved around the theme of harmony with nature, responsibility and restraint rather than exploitation, arguing that indigenous wisdom offered vital insights to addressing local and global challenges.

The indigenous wisdom also helped to strengthen spiritual and ethical values for a forward-looking society where peace and social cohesion reigned supreme beyond biases, Mr Roghani observed.

The live theatre was staged with great fun that continued for over two hours and kept the audience glued to their seats. Scripted and directed by Hayat Roghani, the play touched upon several themes including women, Trans and youth rights blended in the message of non-violence.

Senior TV actor Tariq Jamal played the role of Bacha Khan; Khalid Yasmin another senior artist performed the role of Nazo Ana, a historical figure. A young performer Warisha stole the show by her wonderful performance that played a young woman being suppressed by taboos. Her utterances ‘I am a young Pakhtun woman despite being made blind, deaf and dumb by the society still have the potential to distinguish colours, clearly understand sounds and could explain my problem’ stunned the audience and received great applause.

The play was divided into scenes each presented with a clear message covering the social, political and traditional aspects of a typical Pakhtun society. Families, students and theatre lovers watched the show with great interest which proved that quality stuff still enjoyed space and attention.

Wagma Feroz, right activist, on the occasion said theatre play could bring about a substantive change in the society as it attracted audience of all age groups and should be encouraged.

Khalida Yasmin, senior artist, told this scribe that live theatre if encouraged would help us reclaim our past glory. Later, performers were given certificates of commendation by the organisers.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2026