Alhamra brings world to Lahore | The Express Tribune

LAHORE:

The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra will host the Third Punjab MAAS International Theatre Festival 2026 from October 23 to 28, bringing together theatre artists from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Norway and France to showcase diverse theatrical traditions and promote cultural exchange.

The six-day festival will feature local and international performances, creative workshops and panel discussions exploring artistic freedom, digital culture, social transformation and the role of theatre in engaging younger generations.

The MAAS Foundation, a founding member of ASSITEJ Pakistan, and Alhamra Lahore Arts Council describe the festival on its website as a celebration bringing theatre, cultures, languages and people together on one stage.

“This year, Lahore becomes a meeting point for theatre artists from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Norway and France, bringing diverse stories, artistic traditions and powerful performances to Pakistani audiences,” the website states.

The programme includes performances for children and adults, theatre workshops for children and teenagers, and panel discussions focusing on inclusive theatre and productions for young audiences. “From different corners of the world, artists are coming together with one shared belief: ‘theatre has no borders’,” the organisers say.

The international programme begins on October 24 with the University of the Punjab’s production of ‘Ak Boota Ambi Da’, followed by ‘Gangster Hunting with Daisy Detective’ by Norway’s ERLER Teater Kompani.

On October 25, a French theatre group will present ‘Zig Zag’, alongside a panel discussion examining the evolving relevance of theatre in an age dominated by social media.

Kazakhstan’s Ilyas Omarov Kostanay Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre will stage ‘Sholpan’s Sin’ on October 26, while a separate discussion will focus on the importance of inclusive and accessible theatre.

On October 27, the Pakistani production ‘Rooh Ka Sauda’, presented in collaboration with the MAAS Foundation and the Embassy of Germany, will take the stage. The festival will conclude on October 28 with ‘Kintir’, performed by Indonesia’s Sanggar Obrog Selagiling Seni, followed by a discussion on encouraging greater youth participation in the performing arts.

A specialised workshop series titled ‘Designing Encounters: Creating Immersive Experiences’ will also be held at Beaconhouse National University on October 25 and Lahore Grammar School on October 26.

The third edition follows the 2025 festival, which brought together local and international artists for six days of performances, workshops and discussions at Alhamra, celebrating theatre as a medium of cultural exchange, creative expression and human connection.

The previous edition featured productions from Pakistan, Greece, Germany, France, China, Ireland and Tunisia, combining contemporary and experimental theatre with educational workshops and panel discussions.

Among its highlights were Government College University’s ‘Tu Kon’, Greece’s TerrArte Theatre Group’s ‘Ekthesis’ and Aks Theatre’s ‘Junoon’. Other productions included the University of Central Punjab’s ‘The Knot’, the collaborative German-Pakistani production ‘Growing Where?’ and Karito Group Pakistan’s ‘Youlida’, which explored themes of identity, loss, renewal and resilience.

The festival also offered learning opportunities for aspiring performers. Greek artist Christina Gyftaki conducted a workshop on visual storytelling and expressive composition, while Gyftaki and German artist Christian H Schroter led pantomime workshops exploring movement, silence and physical expression beyond conventional dialogue.

Discussions were another key component of the programme. Playwright Shahid Nadeem and Farooq Pasha examined the continuing relevance of Punjab’s folk theatre and its role in preserving cultural memory and connecting generations. In another session, filmmaker Syed Noor and artist Uzma Asraf, moderated by Rabiya Hassan, discussed the shared creative foundations of theatre and cinema.

The closing programme featured Punjab University’s Natak theatre group performing ‘Kaho Mujh Se Muhabbat Hai’, followed by DramaEd Pakistan’s ‘RED’. Artists from Tunisia and Pakistan also presented ‘Trace’s’, a collaborative performance using movement to explore artistic expression across cultural boundaries.

Beyond the stage, Alhamra’s courtyards and gardens hosted craft and food stalls, while an open-mic platform gave young performers an opportunity to showcase their talents. These activities extended the festival’s reach beyond formal performances, drawing families, artists and theatre enthusiasts into the celebration.

The organisers said this year’s festival aims to strengthen Lahore’s position as a hub of international cultural activity while giving Pakistani artists opportunities to engage with global theatre practitioners and explore new creative approaches.

(APP with input