As dusk fell on Lahore’s Alhamra Arts Council on October 12, 2025, the air shimmered with anticipation. The third day of the Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival 2025 was underway, drawing together artists, intellectuals, and theatre lovers from across the globe for a celebration of art that transcends borders, languages, and generations. The festival, running under the patronage of the Government of Punjab until October 15, is quickly becoming a cornerstone for creative dialogue and cultural exchange in the region.
The day’s festivities began with a sense of quiet wonder. At Adbi Baithak, Alhamra the Mall, a workshop titled “Crossing the Boundaries of Languages – Telling Stories with the Art of Pantomime” was led by the renowned German artist Christian H. Schröter. According to APP and Tribune, Schröter captivated an eager gathering of young students and emerging performers. His workshop was not about words but about the expressive depth of silence—about how movement and gesture can leap over linguistic barriers to tell stories that resonate with everyone, no matter their native tongue. As Schröter demonstrated, “movement and gesture can transcend linguistic barriers to tell universal stories.” The room was filled with laughter, concentration, and the quiet thrill of learning a new way to communicate, one that relies on empathy and imagination rather than vocabulary.
But the festival is not just about technique or spectacle—it’s about ideas, too. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to a profound panel discussion titled “Social Change Through Theatre and Its Challenges.” Moderated by Prof Dr Ahmad Bilal, the conversation brought together two of Pakistan’s most distinguished theatre personalities: Naveed Shahzad and Dr Khalid Butt. As reported by APP and Tribune, the discussion delved deep into theatre’s timeless power to challenge injustice, provoke reflection, and inspire reform. The panelists shared insights from decades of experience, exploring how theatre has always been more than entertainment—it’s a mirror to society’s conscience, a catalyst for empathy, and sometimes even a spark for social transformation.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival’s energy shifted from intellectual engagement to emotional resonance. The evening’s main stage belonged to the French theatre company La Volga, whose performance of “Monsieur et Madame O.” was nothing short of enchanting. The production, blending mime, movement, and emotion, told a tender yet humorous tale of a couple adrift in the routines of life. Its elegant choreography and heartfelt storytelling earned a standing ovation, a testament to the universal language of theatre. The audience, drawn from Lahore’s diverse communities, responded with laughter, sighs, and finally, thunderous applause—proof that great theatre speaks to the heart, no translation required.
The night’s emotional journey continued with a homegrown production from the Maas Foundation. “Permasher Singh” unfolded a deeply human story, exploring themes of resilience, loss, loyalty, and shared destiny. Its emotional intensity reaffirmed what many in the audience already knew: theatre is not just entertainment; it’s the conscience of humanity. Through the struggles and triumphs of its characters, “Permasher Singh” reminded viewers of the power of compassion and the importance of holding onto hope in the face of adversity.
But the festival’s magic wasn’t confined to the stage. Alhamra’s courtyards and gardens transformed into a bustling cultural fairground well into the night. Food stalls offered a taste of Punjab’s culinary delights, while folk musicians filled the air with melodies that seemed to dance on the breeze. Art displays dotted the pathways, inviting festivalgoers to linger, chat, and soak in the creative spirit. According to APP, the atmosphere brimmed with applause, laughter, and the warmth of shared artistic experience—an impromptu celebration of community as much as of art itself.
The festival’s organizers have been intentional in their programming, ensuring that each day offers a blend of international and local talent, as well as opportunities for learning and reflection. Looking ahead to October 13, the lineup promises another day rich with artistic and intellectual stimulation. Scheduled performances include “Tu Kon?” by GC Dramatic Club and Theatre Republic Pakistan, “Ekthesis” by Terr Arte from Greece, and “Junoon” by AKS Theatre, Pakistan. Each production brings its own unique perspective and style, contributing to the festival’s overarching goal: to showcase the transformative power of theatre in all its forms.
Complementing these performances, a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Society and Performing Arts” is set to feature renowned intellectuals Asghar Nadeem Syed, Naveed Shahzad, and Adeel Hashmi. This session will examine how art shapes the collective human narrative, exploring questions that have preoccupied thinkers for centuries: How does art reflect society? How does it change it? And perhaps most importantly, why does it matter now, in a world seemingly more divided than ever?
The festival’s success is due in no small part to the vision and support of the Government of Punjab, which has embraced the arts as a vital part of the region’s cultural and social fabric. By hosting international artists and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, the Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival is not just a local event—it’s a beacon for the global artistic community, a place where ideas, emotions, and stories can be shared freely and fearlessly.
For many attendees, the festival is more than just a series of performances—it’s a movement. It’s about empathy becoming art and art becoming a force for change. As the festival continues through October 15, the hope is that its impact will ripple far beyond the walls of Alhamra, inspiring new generations of artists, thinkers, and dreamers to carry forward the torch of creative expression.
In a world often divided by language, politics, and ideology, the Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival reminds us that art—at its best—can bridge any gap. Whether through the silent eloquence of pantomime, the passionate debates of panelists, or the universal stories told on stage, this festival offers a vision of what’s possible when we come together to listen, learn, and create.
As the crowds disperse each night, the echoes of applause linger in the Lahore air—a fitting tribute to the enduring power of theatre, and to a festival that dares to imagine a more connected, compassionate world.
