Theatre production ‘Gumrah’ serves as a lesson for parents and children

UMT play attracted a large footfall of local industry artists, students and faculty members

LAHORE: It’s been a long time since theatre lovers have been treated to a family-oriented production. While mainstream plays are the forerunners in the entertainment circuit, audiences are deprived of parallel theatre. In light of this, the School of Media and Communication Studies (SMCS) at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) organised an event where the play titled Gumrah was staged before a large number of local industry artists, undergraduates and faculty members.

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Gumrah was performed by the students of the university and the talent of the young artists was greatly appreciated. Students from different universities also attended the evening with their parents, resulting in a large footfall at Alhamra Hall, Lahore. Renowned theatre personalities were also in attendance. In a first in many years, a relatable story was told to an audience, keeping them captivated throughout the duration of the play. The storyline of Gumrah is the most discussed issue amongst today’s youth. It centres on teenagers and how they ruin their lives after indulging in bad habits. The narrative also serves as a lesson for parents and provides suggestions to them on how to raise their children by instilling positive values in them. It throws shade at teenage years being the most crucial in an individual’s development.

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Chairman of Lahore Arts Council Touqeer Nasir and Executive Director of Alhamra Arts Council Athar Ali khan were also present on the occasion and lauded the young and aspiring artists. “It was a pleasure to see young actors and directors perform on stage and produce a high quality drama. It seems that there is no shortage of talent in the country. Both, Lahore Arts Council and Alhamra Arts Council are doing their best to increase opportunities for young artists and our main purpose is to provide quality entertainment to the public,” Nasir told The Express Tribune. Echoing his sentiments, Khan shared Gumrah was very well directed. “The acting was great and so was the direction. I am thrilled to see our young generation is addressing such important issues and finding ways to solve problematic issues which exist in our society.”

 

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

With loud applause in the background, UMT students rolled out a play that tugs at the heart strings of everyone. Besides acting, the direction and production also deserves a bow. UMT Director Dr Muhammad Aslam and senior professors also watched the performance and valued the first-ever initiative taken by the SMCS staff. Towards the end, the cast and crew of Gumrah introduced themselves to the audience and thanked the council for providing them with a strong platform to showcase their talent.

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