Bridging gaps with theatre
Stage director Kewal Dhaliwal says India and Pakistan should start bus service for artist community
In his 40-year career, Dhaliwal has put together 30 books on Punjabi plays, and helmed 250 theatre and over 4,000 stage performances across the globe. PHOTOS: FILE
LAHORE:
Whatever the political climate between India and Pakistan may be, history has shown that avenues of cultural exchange have suffered the most in times of uncertainty. However, theatre is one area that remains largely unaffected, thanks to the undying efforts of the trade’s proponents on either side of the border.
Kewal Dhaliwal is the director of Manch Rangmanch Theatre Group and also the president of Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy, Chandigarh. On a visit to Lahore, Dhaliwal spoke to The Express Tribune about what the two governments need to do to keep the fire burning for theatre in India and Pakistan. “We, the artists and citizens of India, demand that both countries should start a weekly bus service for artists through which they should be allowed to travel to and fro,” he said.
Acting veteran Khaled Ahmed expected to direct a major theatre production in 2016
Dhaliwal said the Pakistani dramatics scene is quite different from that of India. “There are wonderful actors in Pakistan. I appreciate the efforts of groups like Ajoka Theatre who are working day and night to bring them into the limelight. However, generally theatre is facing a lot of challenges here.” He said the Pakistani government should start theatre education programs at institutes of higher learning. Citing the example of India, he said professional education of performing arts has helped artists tremendously. “We never hesitate to perform in villages and on the streets back home because we do it with a mission of highlighting social evils and promoting good. Besides this, theatre performances are an important component of festivity, especially weddings,” he said. Dhaliwal feels increased cultural exchange between the two countries will benefit the artist community of the region. Confident about the presence of talented artists in Pakistan, he stated, “I also believe there is no lack of talent in Pakistan and this is the reason us Indians are always waiting for Pakistani drama teams to come to our country.”
The director stated the common man in both countries wants cordial relations. “It’s all in the hands of the governments.” He said he has always enjoyed his trips to Pakistan. “The people here give me a lot of respect. I enjoy my trips to Lahore the most because it is our closest neighbour,” he added. “There are elements in both countries that create problems but they are a minority and should be ignored,” maintained Dhaliwal.
Siachen comes to Multan Arts Council
The Indian government recently gave him the highest Indian award for service in the field of performing arts. Over the years he has established himself as an important theatre figure, especially in the Indian Punjab. In his 40-year career, he has put together 30 books on Punjabi plays and helmed 250 theatre and over 4,000 stage performances across the globe.
He said his own academy works for raising awareness about different issues through theatre in India. “I am happy that my work is contributing towards social awareness among the people,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2016.
Whatever the political climate between India and Pakistan may be, history has shown that avenues of cultural exchange have suffered the most in times of uncertainty. However, theatre is one area that remains largely unaffected, thanks to the undying efforts of the trade’s proponents on either side of the border.
Kewal Dhaliwal is the director of Manch Rangmanch Theatre Group and also the president of Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy, Chandigarh. On a visit to Lahore, Dhaliwal spoke to The Express Tribune about what the two governments need to do to keep the fire burning for theatre in India and Pakistan. “We, the artists and citizens of India, demand that both countries should start a weekly bus service for artists through which they should be allowed to travel to and fro,” he said.
Acting veteran Khaled Ahmed expected to direct a major theatre production in 2016
Dhaliwal said the Pakistani dramatics scene is quite different from that of India. “There are wonderful actors in Pakistan. I appreciate the efforts of groups like Ajoka Theatre who are working day and night to bring them into the limelight. However, generally theatre is facing a lot of challenges here.” He said the Pakistani government should start theatre education programs at institutes of higher learning. Citing the example of India, he said professional education of performing arts has helped artists tremendously. “We never hesitate to perform in villages and on the streets back home because we do it with a mission of highlighting social evils and promoting good. Besides this, theatre performances are an important component of festivity, especially weddings,” he said. Dhaliwal feels increased cultural exchange between the two countries will benefit the artist community of the region. Confident about the presence of talented artists in Pakistan, he stated, “I also believe there is no lack of talent in Pakistan and this is the reason us Indians are always waiting for Pakistani drama teams to come to our country.”
The director stated the common man in both countries wants cordial relations. “It’s all in the hands of the governments.” He said he has always enjoyed his trips to Pakistan. “The people here give me a lot of respect. I enjoy my trips to Lahore the most because it is our closest neighbour,” he added. “There are elements in both countries that create problems but they are a minority and should be ignored,” maintained Dhaliwal.
Siachen comes to Multan Arts Council
The Indian government recently gave him the highest Indian award for service in the field of performing arts. Over the years he has established himself as an important theatre figure, especially in the Indian Punjab. In his 40-year career, he has put together 30 books on Punjabi plays and helmed 250 theatre and over 4,000 stage performances across the globe.
He said his own academy works for raising awareness about different issues through theatre in India. “I am happy that my work is contributing towards social awareness among the people,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2016.