Stage dancers charging hefty sums for Eid shows

Preparations in full swing at Lahore theatres for upcoming festival weekend

LAHORE: Theatre owners have long been lamenting about the dearth of audience at performances, owing to a decline in quality of productions. However, they finally seem to have taken matters into their own hands to bring about a change. Renovation work at theatre halls across Lahore is now in full swing as they prepare for a string of shows planned for Eid. Not only have they invested in getting the venues back in shape, they are also in talks with some of the most renowned stage performers in Pakistan to put up a spectacular show.

They say everyone has a price, and it looks like theatre owners will be paying it through their teeth. In order to stage a performance that can attract a full house, one needs the crème of performers — and to gain the attention of such professionals, one needs a massive budget.

According to sources, top actors and dancers are planning to charge an arm and a leg to entertain the crowds over Eid holidays. The likes of Khushboo, Nargis, Laila, Mahnoor, Qismat Baig, Nida Chaudhry and Sitara Baig among others, have all been roped in, only after cheques of Rs1.5 million per performer were released.

This goes to show that production companies this year are desperate to once again turn theatre into the centre of entertainment as it used to be. Among leading theatre administrations willing to invest in leading artists are Alfalah, Naz, Tamaseel, Shalimar and Mahfil.



“Every year, I prepare, especially for the Eid shows,” shared stage actor Nargis. “I am currently in the process of negotiating with theater groups and will only perform if they offer me a good deal. I am going Canada to see my kids and will return before Eid. I believe I can charge a higher amount based on the quality of my work but I am willing to negotiate so my fans can see me perform once again.”

Not only do people from all over Lahore visit theatres over Eid for their share of entertainment, stage performances also attract large crowds from adjoining, smaller cities. This becomes an incentive for production companies looking to make a killing over the holidays.

Popular stage dancer Nida Chaudhry also shared her plans for the upcoming performances. “I have stopped working on other projects these days so I can focus on preparing for Eid shows,” she said. “I have been practicing on several new songs, which I believe the audience will thoroughly enjoy. This year my fans will get to see me perform at the Mahfil theatre.”

One can only hope that theatre enthusiasts in Lahore will be treated to a number of entertaining performances this year — a breath of fresh air following a spell of inferior quality, vulgar productions that were being staged previously.

Stage producer Faiz Rasool elaborated on the importance of planning large-scale performances in the city. “Although shows are also organised in Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Kasur, but ardent fans of stage always make their way to theatres in Lahore,” he explained.

“Apart from attracting crowds, production companies are mostly interested in generating income through these shows as theatres usually remain closed during Ramazan.” He added that over Eid holidays, companies can make up to double the amount they usually earn in normal days.

Previously, a number of film stars including Meera and Laila have also performed at theatres for Eid shows. While there are no confirmations yet, theatre-goers hope that they will get to see their favourite stars shine on stage, once again.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2016.

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