A week when Lahore spoke the language of art

Punjab MAAS International Theatre Festival unites global performers and audiences

LAHORE:

As the red curtains drew to a close at the Punjab MAAS International Theatre Festival 2025, Alhamra once again stood illuminated as a symbol of creativity, cultural harmony and artistic dialogue.

Over six vibrant days, Lahore became the epicentre of world theatre - a space where words, gestures and emotions transcended boundaries, uniting artists and audiences through the shared language of humanity.

From the festival's opening to its grand finale, Alhamra's halls, courtyards and gardens resonated with applause, laughter and reflection. Despite the challenges of the times, the turnout was extraordinary, proving that art remains alive where the heart of society continues to beat.

Organised under the aegis of the Government of Punjab in collaboration with MAAS Foundation and the Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, the festival presented an exceptional mix of performances, workshops and discussions, drawing participants from across Pakistan and around the globe.

The final days of the event captured the true essence of theatrical celebration. Government College University's 'Tu Kon' reflected the creative depth of young artists through powerful acting and meaningful storytelling, while Greece's TerrArte Theatre Group presented 'Ekthesis', a contemplative production that explored human emotion through silence and movement.

The evening concluded with Aks Theatre's 'Junoon', a gripping play that intertwined realism and poetic symbolism, earning standing ovations from an appreciative audience.

As the festival entered its fifth day, Alhamra became a hive of artistic energy. At the 'Adbi Baithak', Greek artist Christina Gyftaki conducted a workshop titled 'Exposition and Exhibition', introducing participants to the art of visual storytelling and expressive composition.

Her session inspired young theatre enthusiasts to understand performance beyond dialogue - as a language of movement, space and silence. As twilight settled over the cultural complex, the University of Central Punjab's Dramatics Society took the stage with 'The Knot'.

it was followed by 'Growing Where?', a collaborative production between German artists and Pakistani students that examined themes of identity, loss and rebirth. Later that evening, Karito Group Pakistan presented 'Youlida', a moving story that mirrored the resilience, warmth and poetic soul of Pakistani theatre.

A lively panel discussion on 'Folk Theatre of Punjab', featuring playwright Shahid Nadeem in conversation with Farooq Pasha, delved into the living legacy of Punjab's folk traditions. The speakers traced how folk theatre, woven with humour, wisdom and emotion, remains an enduring link between the region's past and present, keeping alive a collective memory that shapes its cultural identity.

As the festival neared its conclusion, Alhamra's open-air spaces transformed into a festive arena of art and community. Families strolled through craft and cuisine stalls while young performers showcased their talent at the open mic platform.

The air was filled with the fragrance of traditional food, laughter, and conversation, capturing the spirit of Lahore at its most welcoming and expressive. On the closing day, the festival celebrated its culmination with a thought-provoking panel on 'Theatre, Film and Storytelling'.

Moderated by Rabiya Hassan, the discussion brought together acclaimed filmmaker Syed Noor and artist Uzma Asraf, who explored the shared creative essence between stage and screen. They reflected on how both forms, despite their differences, remain driven by the same impulse - to tell human stories that endure beyond language and time.

As night fell, Natak, the dynamic theatre group from Punjab University, performed their soulful play 'Kaho Mujh Se Muhabbat Hai', followed by DramaEd Pakistan's compelling production 'RED'.

Meanwhile, in Hall II, artists from Tunisia and Pakistan collaborated on 'Trace's, a cross-cultural showcase that blended movement and meaning into an evocative dialogue without words. The performances resonated with audiences long after the final curtain, reaffirming the timeless connection between art and emotion.

Throughout the festival, Alhamra offered a sweeping panorama of world theatre. From pantomime workshops led by Christian H Schroter of Germany and Christina Gyftaki of Greece, to performances from France, China, Ireland, Greece and Pakistan, the event embodied the spirit of artistic exchange and mutual respect. The applause that echoed across Alhamra's halls testified to theatre's enduring power to move, challenge and inspire.

Aamir Nawaz, Founder of the MAAS Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the success of the festival, saying, "This was not merely an event; it was a dream realised through passion, perseverance and the power of collaboration. Bringing together artists from around the world under one creative sky is a tribute to the timeless spirit of theatre. Our goal was to make Alhamra the heartbeat of a cultural dialogue that unites humanity through art."

Executive Director Alhamra, Mahboob Alam, in his reflective remarks, said: "Theatre speaks a language beyond words; it speaks to the conscience of humanity. What we witnessed here was not merely performance, but a dialogue of cultures, a harmony of emotions and a collective call for peace. The success of this festival stands as a tribute to my entire Alhamra team, whose passion and dedication illuminated every moment of this remarkable journey."

The Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival 2025 thus ended not with silence but with a promise - a promise that art, in its purest form, will always remain the bridge that unites hearts, revives hope and celebrates the boundless beauty of being human.