Allen Nause: Sustaining culture

Allen Nause believes in the skill of Pakistani actors.

LAHORE:

Theatre director, Allen Nause is a name that has been widely talked about in ever since the premiere of The Odd Couple. This week, he was in Lahore as part of several theatre workshops held in collaboration with the Rafi Peer Theatre and Ajoka Theatre troupe.

During his tour, Nause commented on the talent of Pakistan several times. According to the theatre director, Pakistan has a large pool of actors waiting to be explored. A great deal of talent is present in Pakistan, despite repeated claims of lack of resources and training in Pakistan’s theatre milieu. However, the concept of theatre is changing rapidly, at times through the advent of television and the development of commercial side of film-industry. Hence, Pakistani actors need to polish their skill and catch up with the global trends.

“Theatre trends in America are changing. In the past film used to derive itself from theatre but now you are seeing more of non-linear plays which are based on film or television,” said Nause.

Evolution of theatre presents a huge opportunity for Pakistani actors who wish to cross over into American or Broadway theatres. The probability of Pakistani actors’ crossing over is not impossible since in Portland, where Nause works, there is already a group of dedicated Indian artists performing and learning the theatrical techniques. The biggest development of all times, however, is the internet which opens doors to online auditions from any part of the world.

“I have done auditions of Pakistani actors from Islamabad sitting in my kitchen over Skype,” explains Nause.

The aim of this theatrical venture in Pakistan — collaborating and increasing the cultural exposure — is to be able to at least take a step forward in enhancing both industries. The challenge for theatre in general is the constant evolution of media and entertainment. Sustaining culture, thus means improving or enhancing education about the art since it’s not a country plight but a global issue.

“It is important for people to have art education from a young age, so that there is lifelong hunger for the arts,” said Nause.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2011.