Punjab govt brings drastic measures to Lahore’s theatre circuit

Cultural minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan is adamant on improving the conditions of the industry

LAHORE: The Punjab Information and Culture Department is finally all set to take new, constructive steps towards improving commercial and parallel theatre in Lahore and its surrounding areas. The Cultural Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan is wholeheartedly focused on the welfare of those employed in the industry and has been holding meetings with stakeholders and theatre artists to understand the issues they are facing more deeply.

For this purpose, it will be introducing new policies regarding stage dramas and establishing an Advisory Committee that will give suggestions to the Ministry for the betterment of Pakistani theatre. The committee comprises of chairman Anas Dhola, Saman Roy, Zulfiqar Zulfi and actors Masood Akhtar, Megha, Shanza, Mahnoor, Tabeer Baral and others.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

“It has been decided that the new committee will solely monitor the scripts and dialogues of stage dramas before they are staged for the public,” an official of the Punjab Information and Culture Department told The Express Tribune.  “Also, the control of all private theatres in the province of Punjab should be given to the Ministry.”

As per Chohan’s research, the main problems are the lack of solid scripts and the prevalence of vulgarity in stage dramas. The official further revealed, “A new time table for stage dramas being performed at Alhamra Hall  has also been announced according to which, all shows will have to begin at 8:oo pm and end by 10:00 pm during winters.



In the summer season, the shows will be held from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.” He added, “These were some of the suggestions made to the minister, who approved these and now, the entire industry must abide by the new laws.”

A point to note is that Chohan and his teams are strictly against disrespecting the artist community, even if it is coming in the way of them achieving their objectives. “No government official can threaten or blackmail any artist. The government promises to give respect to all artists, big or small,” said the official.

And this is not all. The ministry is also hoping to offer some financial and medical assistance to the community. “We’re going to take a huge step and offer a health card scheme that gets free medical care for the artists and their families,” the official shared.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

For that matter, the Information and Culture Department is also hoping to improve the Pakistani music industry. In this connection, Chohan has announced a Voice of Punjab programme for young singers. As per plans, he will be holding a press conference about the competition on January 11. The contest will be open to everyone across Punjab and a cash prize of R1 million will given to the winner. “All arts councils in the province and a set committee will select the participants. New singers will be brought into Lahore and so, the industry, this way,” said the official. “The government will soon announce a committee for Voice of Punjab as well. The artists will be given financial assistance and prizes, with the main being the promotion of music and cultural activities across Punjab.”

But Chohan’s main objective remains the betterment of local theatre.

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