The senior theatre practitioners of Ajoka on Wednesday condemned the holding of a non-arts function by the Prime Minister at the newly built National Centre of Creative Arts in Islamabad.
Talking to newsmen, theatre practitioners including Shahid Nadeem Syed, Madeeha Gauhar, Samina Ahmed, Salman Shahid, Usman Pirzada, Muhammad Waseem, Ghulam Abbas Dar, Asim Bukhari and Qawi Khan expressed their concern at a campaign by a 'section of the visual artists' objecting to the provision of some facilities in the complex to performing arts.
They said, "We have been disappointed by disparaging remarks about performing artists by some visual artists. Such an arrogant and elitist attitude doesn't strengthen their case. In fact, it can cause unnecessary conflict between the two arts, which both can do without."
Condemning the Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid row with the government over establishing parallel Shariat Courts and promulgation of Shariat in Islamabad, they said, "At a time when obscurantist forces are targeting all forms of visual and performing arts, such controversies will only strengthen them."
They appreciated the efforts and contribution of visual artists in establishing the long overdue cultural complex adding, "We are all proud of their achievements". However, they said that any concern, which the visual artists have, should be addressed in a fair and dispassionate way by all stakeholders.
"An appropriately designed auditorium has been built and it should not be restricted to seminars or openings of art exhibitions. Performing arts are an extremely valuable part of our national identity and the art form most accessible to the masses.
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