Nearly a month after the Azadi and Inqilab march craze swept the federal capital, cultural activity has been dismal to say the least. The occasional concerts, regular art exhibitions and odd theatrical performances have suffered a blow owing to a standstill situation and security concerns.
According to Ambar Shah of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, the week-long celebrations for Independence Day were also postponed owing to the prevailing political situation.
He said the initial schedule included stage plays, musical programmes and painting contests, which mostly attract school and college students.
Typically, the PNCA hosts weekly and fortnightly events such as musical nights, puppet shows and art exhibitions.
“Being in the Red Zone, we the staff, find it difficult to get through the containers and enter the building to conduct our professional work, so what to talk of the audience’s ordeal,” he said while speaking with The Express Tribune. However, he expressed hope that the gloomy situation will change for the better in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Nomad Art Gallery has hosted two art exhibitions with varying turnout, the first pulling a smaller crowd than regular days.
Nageen Hyat, the gallery owner and curator, said she has kept the creative space open but low-key. “There are ups and downs but one has to carry on with one’s commitment and learn to face and deal with the challenges there are,” she added.
Following a prolonged hiatus, Kuch Khaas will host an Oh My Gig! Show, which coincides with the literary event titled Adabi Mehfil: Shaam-e-Azadi at Aqs on Friday. The entertainment-starved capital might just be recuperating from the throes of a rhetorical revolution.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2014.
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