LAHORE, Feb 26: The first-ever India-Pakistan theatre festival titled 'Zanani' is being organized here at the Alhamra Arts Centre from March 7 to 13. The festival is being arranged by the Ajoka Theatre on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

Speaking at a news conference at the Lahore Press Club on Thursday, Ajoka Theatre artistic director Madeeha Gauhar and her husband, Shahid Nadeem, a playwright, revealed that the festival would highlight women's issues in which five leading Indian and three Pakistani groups, other than Ajoka, would stage more than a dozen plays.

A 67-member Indian troupe will reach Lahore through the Wagah border on March 6. The Indian groups attending the festival include Rangtoli and Manch Rangmanch from Amritsar, Ranga Karmee from Calcutta and Kitchen Katha from Chandrigarh.

Among the Pakistani groups are Tehrik-i-Niswan from Karachi, Interactive Theatre (Lahore), Bargad (Gujranwala) and Murk from Hyderabad. Ajoka will stage six of its renowned productions, including "Ek thi nani, Barri, Kala menda bhes and Meko kari karende ni mai."

According to Madeeha Gauhar, the festival will cover not only performances, but also activists through seminars on the issue, theatrical workshops and exchange of materials, experiences and skills.

"The blend of theatre and politics extends across the border and the Indian theatre groups participating in this festival have also been dealing with similar issues in their own contexts," said Shahid Nadeem.

Indian theatre legend Zohra Saigol, who is about 93, and her 87-year-old sister, Uzra Butt, will star in 'Ek thi nani.' Nadeem said Norwegian donor agency, Norad, Actionaid and the Lahore Arts Council had collaborated actively in organizing this festival whose entry would be through complimentary passes. -APP