Lahore’s Alhamra Arts Council buzzed with creativity and emotion on the third day of the Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival 2025, celebrating theatre as a bridge of culture, thought, and humanity.
The day began with a captivating workshop, “Crossing the Boundaries of Languages – Telling Stories with the Art of Pantomime,” led by German artist Christian H. Schröter. Participants learned to express stories through movement and silence — a reminder that theatre often speaks loudest without words.
Later, a panel discussion titled “Social Change Through Theatre and Its Challenges” featured celebrated figures Naveed Shahzad and Dr Khalid Butt, with moderation by Prof Dr Ahmad Bilal. They explored how theatre can question injustice and spark social transformation.
In the evening, the French troupe La Volga mesmerized audiences with “Monsieur et Madame O,” a visually poetic performance blending mime and motion to tell a story of love, routine, and rediscovery. Their artful portrayal earned a standing ovation.
The Maas Foundation followed with “Permasher Singh,” a moving Pakistani production exploring resilience and shared humanity, leaving the audience deeply touched.
Outside, Alhamra’s courtyards transformed into a cultural fairground filled with music, food, and art, keeping the festive spirit alive late into the night.
Day 4 promises more global performances including “Tu Kon?” by GC Dramatic Club, “Ekthesis” by Greece’s Terr Arte, and “Junoon” by AKS Theatre, along with a panel on “Society and Performing Arts” featuring Asghar Nadeem Syed, Naveed Shahzad, and Adeel Hashmi.
The festival, running until October 15 under the Government of Punjab’s patronage, continues to prove that theatre is not just entertainment — it is empathy in motion.