PESHAWAR: Step into the auditorium of Fazaia College of Education for Women, and for a fleeting afternoon, the dusty breeze of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gives way to the verdant, rolling hills of 19th-century Hertfordshire.
Under the warm glow of stage lights, the Romantic era returned in all its regency splendour as the college’s dramatics club staged a captivating production of Jane Austen’s timeless masterpiece, ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Brought to life by the talented students of English Batch-IX, the performance stood as a resounding triumph of literary passion, meticulous artistry and theatrical flair.
Dressed in authentic period attire -- flowing empire-waist gowns, delicate lace and tailored tailcoats -- the all-female cast transformed Austen’s witty social satire into an immersive living canvas.
Administered by Pakistan Air Force Women’s Association (PAFWA), the institution has long championed holistic student development. Central to this vision is a dedicated daily ‘club class’ period, designed to give student societies space to discover their creative potential beyond the standard academic curricula.
“Our co-curricular activities build character and foster self-discovery. The club classes offer us a genuine platform to hone talents we didn’t know we possessed,” explained Faryal, a student who portrayed the naive Lydia Bennet.
Mahnoor Sher, an English lecturer and club patron, highlighted the importance of creative outlets. “For the faculty, the production showcased the transformative power of performing arts in higher education. We encourage our students to express themselves freely, providing guidance and resources to excel,” she remarked warmly.
The co-patron of the club, Madam Rabia, emphasised the psychological benefits of theatre, noting that acting allowed performers and spectators to explore complex human emotions and cultivate empathy for the world. This philosophy is championed by the principal, Dr Naeem Fatima, who actively inspires faculty to mentor students not merely for exams, but for the grander stage of life.
On stage, student performers delivered nuanced characterisations that belied their youth.
Wareesha, who played the dry-witted patriarch Mr Bennet, described the experience as an artistic milestone.
“His quiet wit allowed me to delve deep into character acting. Working alongside my classmates taught me the true meaning of artistic collaboration and performing on stage boosted my confidence immensely,” she reflected.
As curtains fell to a standing ovation, a vibrant dialogue emerged among the audience. While deeply appreciative of classical literature, several students expressed a keen desire to see future productions explore local societal themes, Pakistani folklore and pressing regional issues alongside celebrated classics.
Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2026
