LAHORE: No matter how things unfold on the political front; whether Indian artists and activists are able to make it to Pakistani literature festivals or not, theatre is one avenue that remains unaffected by turbulence. Proponents of the medium cross borders on a routine basis to keep the art form alive and collaborative.
Indian director and activist Usha Ganguly feels parallel theatre is gaining foothold in Pakistan and that the coming few years will only see things improve. On a visit to Lahore to train Ajoka Theatre members, Ganguly said despite the dominance of cinema, theatre has its own audiences on either sides of the border. “Advancement in media technology cannot make theatre irrelevant,” she told The Express Tribune. She said theatre is the oldest medium of entertainment that plays a crucial role in promoting awareness about social evils. Ganguli is herself known for using theatre for socio-political activism. She founded her theatre troupe, Rangakarmee, in 1976 and has since been staging plays written by famous Indian playwrights like Swadesh Deepak and Mannu Bhandari.
She maintained cultural bonds between India and Pakistan are too strong to be affected by political impasses of any kind. “Only certain elements cause trouble. Artists from both countries are visiting each other. Ghulam Ali is still performing in India and look at me, I am here!”
The award-winning thespian said theatre depicts reality better than any other medium of entertainment and was founded on the principles of promoting tolerance and peace in societies. “It is still doing its job … promoting peace and love between the Indian and Pakistani people,” she added. “When we say artists are ambassadors of countries, we mean exactly this.” She urged the Indian and Pakistani governments to relax visa policies in this regard.
This is not the first time Ganguly has visited Pakistan. Expressing her gratitude for the Ajoka administration for inviting her, she said she has always had a great time in Lahore and was all praises for the culinary delights the city has to offer. “My focus right now is on training them [Ajoka members] with regards to scriptwriting and the various new techniques that we have adopted in our theatrical performances in India,” she said.
The retired lecturer admitted government attention is still vital if theatre is to flourish in Pakistan. “I hope that the Pakistani government initiates theatre programmes at public universities.” Ganguly said Pakistani theatre is popular in India and acts like Ajoka do very well, every time they visit for performances. “Madiha Gohar’s efforts are instrumental. Pakistani theatre owes a great deal to her!”
- Latest
- Trending
