Presenting a fusion of performances by 22 popular theatrical groups of Pakistan, three-week drama festival concluded late Thursday at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). Professional theatrics from Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Skardu, Muzzafarabad, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rawalpindi/Islamabad highlighted varied social issues of national importance through dramatic instruments.
The festival presented a new play every day while it was concluded with the play `Khwab Biktay Nahe' written by Farheen Chaudhry and directed by Muhammad Sabir Khan. The play portrayed the role of a selfish man who make use of others for personal gains in all available means and distort the face of society.
The other stage plays showcased in the festival included `Aakhri Shikaar', `Shadi ho to Aisi', `Jallad', `Bandhan', `Raasta', `Chand Bibi Dot Com', `Pani Pani Ray', `Ham Aik Hain', 'Sultan-e-Hind', `Ishq', `Gathri' and `Khwab Biktay Nahen' from Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, `Diwana' Bakaar-e-Khwesh Hoshiyar', `Aisa Kiun Hota Hai', and `Amreeka Chalo' from Lahore, `Insha Ka Intizar' from Karachi, `Sanp' from Peshawar, `Shehr-e-Napursan' from Quetta, `Zameen Maan Hai' from Skardu and `Watt Nakhray' from Dera Ghazi Khan.
Director General PNCA, Tauqir Nasir in his brief message told that PNCA plans the national drama festival at regular intervals to promote the tradition of theatre and provide opportunity to the public to witness cultural colours of all segments of the country.
"The festival acknowledges the excellent work of drama groups and put on stage good plays depicting current social problems with rich entertainment which otherwise becomes difficult for them to produce due to lack of commercial milieu", Tauqeer Nasir added. He said the festival was aimed to strengthen the status of quality theatre and promoting drama culture in the country.