Obscene Mujras have destroyed Lahore’s commercial theatre

Lahore was renowned for its experimental theatre and led the country’s art scene with its sizeable creed of artists, writers and directors. And, whilst that parallel culture of serious theatre is present, it has been sidelined by a crass and commercial brand of entertainment that was earlier popular for the lewd Punjabi jokes.However, the newest brand consolidated during the 1990s has integrated the old Mujra form albeit in its destroyed shape. What has been the effect of this trend: women, children and families are not found in theatre halls. The larger purpose of theatre as an inclusive form of entertainment, interaction and participation is all decaying. Such is the impact of greed and commercialism. Commercial theatre is now a preserve for the oversexed, possibly under-laid male Lahoris; and rich men from the outskirts come to get a visual-lay to be supplemented by a real one besides the grand old mosque.

Mohammad Fawad Riaz

Obcene and vulgar dance in theatres

Pakistani theatre is on the decline because of vulgar dances and cheap dialogue, speakers at a discussion titled Theatrical trends in Pakistan at the Kinnaird College University (KCU) said on Tuesday.The discussion was organised by the Kinnaird College Media Society and included representatives from various genres of theatre in Pakistan. Artist Usman Peerzada said theatre was losing its “golden traditions” because of commercialism. He said playwrights were not focusing on script and vulgar dances were being staged to attract the audience. He said Pakistani artists had to face humiliation abroad when dramas based on vulgar dances were referred to as Pakistani theatre.

Dance is a very important part of the theatre but obscene dances without a theme spoil the artistic touch,” he added. Dramatic clubs should be set up at schools and universities to promote theatre, he said.
Actor Irfan Khoosat said professionals were not contributing to promote theatre because they were not being paid appropriately. “Weak scripts and bias by art councils is the cause of theatre’s downfall,” he added. He criticised art councils for supporting selected people and the censor board for allowing dance on stage. He urged the government to patronise artists to promote theatre.

By Khizer Shahid