Poetry recital: Artists condemn bigotry, extremism

ISLAMABAD:

With the worsening security situation in the country, artists are using various mediums to express their views against growing religious bigotry and extremism.

Group members of Theatre Wallay gathered outside the National Press Club here on Saturday for a poetry recitation session “Shaam-e-Sukhan.”

The event was attended by a handful of people, who sat in the open. As passersby stopped to take a look, participants started narrating their poems on a public address system.

Salman Haider, a participant said more members were expected but could not come due to shortage of petrol in the city.

He said they were sitting outside because they wanted to engage more people.

Fizza Hasan, co-founder of Theatre Wallay, said more people in the country were now willing to express their views on such issues.

Poet and author Haris Khalique said it was important that more events like this were held to promote tolerance and peace.

About the ongoing security situation, he said it was visible that literature, art and drama was the only way that ideas were generated that bring about change in society. “Change does not come by hanging people,” he added.

Umar Inayat, a student said that the event was thought provoking.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2015.