The third day of the Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival 2025 at Alhamra Arts Council unfolded as a celebration of thought, artistry, and the enduring human spirit.
The festival, now a dynamic platform for cultural dialogue, blended education, performance, and reflection with remarkable grace.
The day opened with a pantomime workshop titled 'Crossing the Boundaries of Languages – Telling Stories with the Art of Pantomime', led by German artist Christian H Schröter.
The session at 'Adbi Baithak' introduced young performers to a world where silence turns expressive and movement becomes language. Schröter explored pantomime as a universal form of storytelling, where emotions shape narratives and gestures transcend linguistic barriers. For many participants, it was, as one described, "a first step toward mastery."
Later, a riveting panel on 'Social Change Through Theatre and Its Challenges' drew attention to theatre's moral and social dimension. Moderated by Prof Dr Ahmad Bilal, the discussion featured veteran artists Naveed Shahzad and Dr Khalid Butt.
Shahzad reminded the audience that "theatre doesn't merely highlight problems, it imagines their solutions and paints the possibility of a better world," while Dr Butt reflected, "The stage transforms what we hear into what we see Shuneedan ki baad maanaand deedan." The session underscored how each performance becomes a mirror to society, urging introspection and empathy.
As evening descended, the French troupe La Volga mesmerised audiences with 'Monsieur et Madame O', a poetic production that wove mime and movement into a tender tale of love and routine.
Its visual poetry and emotional depth earned a standing ovation. The night deepened with Maas Foundation's 'Permasher Singh', a gripping story of loss and compassion that reaffirmed theatre's role as humanity's conscience.
In Alhamra's courtyards, music, food, and art displays kept the festive pulse alive, echoing the laughter and warmth of shared experience.
Executive Director Alhamra, Mahboob Alam, said, "Theatre is not merely an art form; it is the conscience of a civilisation. Through it, we learn to see, feel, and heal as a society."
The festival, continuing until October 15 under the patronage of the Punjab government, promises more performances and discussions celebrating theatre's power to unite hearts and challenge minds.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ