Punjab sets stage for new Drama Act

The curtain is about to rise on a new era for Punjab's stage scene. The provincial government is drafting a Drama Act that promises not just tighter regulation but also a cultural reset for the theatre industry. Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari, who met senior stage artists Nasim Vicky and Qaisar Sanaullah in Lahore this week, said the law is being shaped in consultation with the industry itself.

The proposed law takes direct aim at the issues that have dogged stage plays for years. Two proposals from the Theatre Association have already found their way into the draft, signalling that performers will have a say in how their art is governed. Unlicensed theatres and makeshift venues will no longer be tolerated, and performance timings will be brought under regulation. Vulgar jokes, especially those targeting women, are set to face a clear ban.

"We want to create an atmosphere where families can attend plays without hesitation," Bokhari said, insisting that the stage must turn its attention to socially relevant and positive themes.

The minister also called for educated youth to step into theatre, arguing that their involvement could breathe new life into the art form. While recent crackdowns have raised the quality of productions, she admitted complaints are still surfacing.

Last month, the Punjab government announced new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for stage and theatre performances, introducing stricter regulations to curb obscenity and ensure discipline in the industry.

According to the official notification, the Information and Culture Department will now be responsible for issuing licences for stage dramas, replacing the previous system. Any theatrical activity without licence will be immediately shut down.

The revised guidelines make it mandatory for theatre groups to submit their scripts at least three days in advance to the Punjab Arts Council. Additionally, Deputy Commissioners and the Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR) will oversee stage plays.

A censor rehearsal panel has been tasked with attending full-dress rehearsals before a play's release, preparing detailed reports on its content and presentation. The new SOPs strictly ban vulgar, immoral, or obscene content in theatre performances.