LAHORE, May 7: The Lahore Arts Council is doling out funds and facilities to two private drama companies, sources said here on Tuesday.

The sources said the two companies were allowed free performances at LAC during the current month. They said it was not clear whether the favours were being extended to them with the permission of the LAC board of governors.

They said the Council had offered Rs120,000 to Ajoka Theatre for staging its play Bullah for three days, May 17 to 19, at Alhamra Hall I. It had also waived the Rs15,000 per show airconditioning charges.

The Council had also promised to advertise the performance in the press, provide banners and bear the cost of invitation cards. The only demand is that the Council would get half the invitation cards and be part of any sponsorship deals Ajoka can make.

The sources said Ajoka had recently staged its Bala King at Alhamra for similar terms.

One Sharabeel Shah has been offered Rs150,000 and free use of Alhamra facilities for staging Phantom of the Opera from May 9 to 13. It has also been offered Rs5,000 for ‘erecting’ the set. The Council is again asking for half the invitations.

Mr Shah has been asked to publish relevant material in consultation with the Council.

The sources said the Phantom of the Opera could prove a trendsetter. Yet, they said, the fact was that the Council had never allowed such terms to another private company. Even the Dramatic Clubs of the Government College and the Kinnaird College had not been allowed to stage English plays despite requests.