Cultural extravaganza awaits in February

Lahore’s cultural vibrancy unfolds with literary dialogues, live performances

LAHORE:

As the second month of the new year unfolds, Lahore and Punjab Arts Councils have meticulously crafted plans to fill February with cultural vibrancy and artistic allure.

The spotlight falls on the Faiz Festival, an enchanting event orchestrated by Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, set to transpire from February 9-11.

The festival promise a tapestry of literary and cultural dialogues, expert sessions, live performances, theatre, Qawwali programs, book launches, documentary screenings, drum circles, workshops, dance, film screenings, and more. Distinguished personalities such as Dr Arifa Syeda, Saleema Hashmi, Kamran Lashari, Iftikhar Arif, Kishwar Naheed, and many others are slated to participate. Notable Qawwals Saleem Sabri and Waseem Sabri will grace the event, while the Ajuka Theatre will showcase their play “Bulha.”

Punjab Arts Council unveiled the schedule for Talent Hunt 2024, spanning the province. The competition will encompass three categories – Punjab Painting, Punjab Theatre, and Punjab Music. Starting at the district level, the outstanding performers will ascend to the divisional level, culminating in provincial-level finals in Lahore.

The music competition will kick off on February 17, followed by theatre on February 23, and painting competitions in the third week of February. Syed Bilal Haider, the executive director of Punjab Arts Council, emphasized that Talent Hunt 2024 aims to spotlight grassroots art and cultural talent at the provincial and national levels, fostering creativity and positive engagement within society.

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In the realm of music, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, renowned for his enchanting voice globally, faces criticism following a surfaced video. The video features an employee, Naveed Hasnain, stating that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, his mentor, scolded and beat him over a lost water bottle. This incident has sparked discontent among fans and artistes alike.

As the general elections approach, the election fever sweeps not only the common citizens but also the stage actors. The Muslim League-Nawaz has embarked on a distinctive election campaign through street theatre.

Theatre artist Tahir Anjum and his team presented a play in Constituency 119 of the National Assembly, addressing issues such as the young generation’s social media behaviour, inflation, and the value of votes.

Esteemed actors, including Inam Khan, Beena Sehar, Akmal Rahi, Aqsa Saleem, and others, captivated the constituency’s voters.

Former MPA Khawaja Imran Nazir and former MNA Shaista Parvez Malik graced the event as chief guests.

Tahir Anjum highlighted the importance of street theatre to counteract the social media campaign frenzy, expressing the intention to organise similar street theatre initiatives across Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2024.