Obscenity in theatre

Theatre is an art form that has been a part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage for centuries. It has the power to entertain, educate and inspire audiences. However, modern theatre in Pakistan is rife with examples of obscene content in productions. This trend is concerning and needs to be addressed. Obscene content, which includes offensive language, displays of sexual or violent behaviour and other inappropriate content is not only insensitive and offensive to many people, but it also undermines cultural values and traditions.

It is essential that theatre productions in Pakistan promote respect, tolerance and diversity rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes or promoting negative behaviours. The Pakistan government, along with theatre organisations and producers, needs to take steps to discourage the use of obscene content in theatre productions. This could include setting guidelines or standards for appropriate content, providing training or resources for theatre professionals and enforcing penalties for those who violate these standards. Additionally, theatre audiences can also play a role in discouraging obscene content by refusing to attend productions that rely on offensive or harmful material. And for those who would defend such content as being based on consumer demand, just because a market exists doesn’t mean it should be supplied. At the bare minimum, government assets should not be involved in any such productions. The people behind bawdy commercial productions should fend for themselves instead of narrowing the space available for high art.

Pakistani theatre has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change, but this can only be achieved by promoting the right values — respect, tolerance and diversity. By discouraging the use of obscene content in theatre productions, we can help create a more inclusive and culturally rich society.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2024.

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