The Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival continued to captivate audiences at Alhamra, where art, intellect and culture converged into an extraordinary celebration of creative expression.
As the festival enters its final stretch, Alhamra’s halls, gardens and courtyards are alive with the sound of dialogue, rhythm and applause, reflecting Punjab’s cultural spirit in its purest form.
Monday’s performances and sessions drew enthusiastic participation. Government College University’s “Tu Kon” showcased youthful creativity through powerful performances. At the same time, Greece’s TerrArte Theatre Group presented “Ekthesis,” a deeply introspective production that explored the complexity of human emotion through movement and silence. The evening concluded with Aks Theatre’s “Junoon,” a compelling story that blended realism with poetic symbolism, earning standing ovations from an appreciative crowd.
Equally inspiring was the intellectual panel discussion, “Society and Performing Arts,” featuring renowned literary figures Asghar Nadeem Syed and Shahid Nadeem. Moderated by Aamir Nawaz, participants explored how theatre can serve as a mirror to social realities and a catalyst for progressive transformation.
Today, the festival’s fifth day unfolded with a magnificent mix of learning and performance. At the Adbi Baithak, Greek artist Christina Gyftaki conducted a captivating workshop titled “Exposition and Exhibition,” engaging young theatre enthusiasts in the art of visual storytelling and expressive composition. The session not only deepened their understanding of theatrical aesthetics but also inspired participants to explore the unspoken language of performance.
As twilight set in, University of Central Punjab’s Dramatics Society took center stage with “The Knot,” followed by the German production along with Pakistani students’ “Growing Where?”, a moving exploration of identity, loss and rebirth. Later in the evening, Karito Group Pakistan presented their heartfelt production “Youlida,” immersing audiences in an emotionally rich narrative that reflected the resilience and poetic soul of Pakistani theatre.
Meanwhile, the panel discussion “Folk Theatre of Punjab” captivated a packed audience of cultural connoisseurs. Distinguished playwright Shahid Nadeem, in conversation with moderator Farooq Pasha, explored how Punjab’s folk theatre remains the living soul of its people, woven with wisdom, wit and emotion. Their dialogue illuminated how this enduring art form bridges the past and present, nurturing a timeless connection between tradition and modern expression.
The Alhamra lawns were once again filled with life as families enjoyed cultural displays, craft stalls and traditional cuisine, while young artists showcased their talent at the open mic platform. The festival’s radiant atmosphere, paired with the aesthetic charm of Alhamra’s architecture, created an enchanting cultural experience that will be remembered for years to come.
Executive Director Alhamra, Mahboob Alam, remarked, “Theatre is where silence finds a voice, emotion takes form, and humanity meets its reflection. Through this festival, Alhamra celebrates the beauty of thought made visible, the living poetry of our people, speaking not just to the mind, but to the soul.”
The six-day festival, organised by the Punjab Information and Culture Department in collaboration with Maas Foundation, will conclude tomorrow with grand closing performances, celebrating the universal language of theatre that transcends boundaries and kindles collective imagination.