Azad Theatre: Generating social awareness through performing arts
The organisation has so far focused on a wide range of topics mostly related to social issues, which are brought to the audiences through relatable storylines. Photo: Azad Theatre
Theatre is one of the oldest forms of fine arts, which is performed live in front of an audience. Although throughout the world, much emphasis has been given to preserve this art form with the inclusion of innovative forms, Pakistan has been struggling to keep classical theatre alive.
Azad Theatre is one of those organisations which are working to bring back the culture of performing arts in the country.
Speaking to Dunya News, Malik Aslam CEO of Azad Theatre Organisation shares their more than 7-year-long journey.
The need for the organisation was felt when theatre activists and actors saw the art form dying in the country, recalls Aslam. Their focus, he says, is purely in reviving theatre and also in bringing back street theatre, in which the actors perform outdoors.
“Azad Theatre’s aims are to represent a peaceful Pakistani society through meaningful performing arts, where we aim to speak about cultural practices, especially focusing on social issues that exists in Pakistani society, and bring them in front of the audience to raise awareness,” says Aslam.
The organisation has so far focused on a wide range of topics mostly related to social issues, which are brought to the audiences through relatable storylines. These topics include human rights, family planning, women and minority rights.
Social awareness through performing arts, not only connects people to the story lines but they remember it for a long time, says Aslam. Photo: Azad Theatre
Aslam explains that the organisation has performed not only in Punjab, but has also travelled across all four provinces with their street theatrical plays.
“Over the past five years, we have performed 2,000 street theatre plays for free in front of a live audience,” Aslam says.
“We even took our theatre to Hazara community in Quetta, in good faith to express solidarity with them.”
Existing solely on the contribution from passionate theatre activists and volunteers, without any support from the government, Aslam explains that everyone who is part of the organisation pitches in whatever way they can to keep it running.
Working for the past 22 years in the field as an actor, director, and scriptwriter, Aslam has built this organisation not just to revive theatre but also to provide a platform for those who want to be the part of the venture, and the industry at large.
Speaking about his love for theatrical work and subcontinent’s classic novelists and playwrights, Aslam explains that through their platform they want to promote local cultures, languages, arts and the works of forgotten novelists and authors.
Azad Theatre has also been working to revive back the pure form of theatrical arts in Pakistan. Photo: Azad Theatre
Azad Theatre has been performing plays of renowned writers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The plays that have been performed include those by Manto, and those based on Shah Hussain’s poetry. ‘Rustom O Sohrab’ written by Agha Hashar Kashmiri, famously known as the “Shakespeare of Urdu”, has also been performed by them. So far 17 plays have been performed on the larger spectrum.
“One of the reasons why I believe these novels and stories are adapted into theatrical plays is that our society is going through the same phase as explained in these stories,”Aslam adds.
Azad Theatre has conducted various workshops around the country to train those who wish to become a theatre actor, or be associated with theatrical work.
From acting, to script writing, lights and set designing the organisation has trained hundreds of adults and even children in performing theatre.
Azad Theatre introduced puppet theatre with its first successful performance for children.
Aslam explains that when it comes to seminars dealing with a social issue, people tend to forget the message. On the other hand, he says, if the same social issue is portrayed by an actor dressed in local attire, who acts and performs in front of the audience, the performance will leave an everlasting impression on them.
Azad Theatre is also bringing theatrical performances for children. Photo: Azad Theatre
In a bid to revive street theatre, Azad Theatre blends folk and modern theatre techniques.
“Through folk music, dialogues, storyline, people can relate to an issue, and that impact of the story helps us to target the social issue we want to talk about,” Aslam explains.
For theatre, creative script writing is very important. And for this, the organisation holds competitions for script writing, which helps in discovering new talents. And the prize money also encourages gifted youngsters to participate.
“It is an open platform for all the talented people. We want to provide a safe and healthy medium for anyone who wishes to come and work with us.”
Despite their efforts, Aslam is concerned over how theatrical work is still seen as something of a commercial show, with people being unaware of what theatre means.
Azad Theatre has taken its work to all parts of Pakistan. Photo: Azad Theatre
“Today we are still struggling to revive what has remained of theatre in Pakistan, while the world has advanced far ahead of us.”
Aslam expresses his disappointment over the failure of even a single play from Pakistan being selected in this year’s Theatre Olympics, which is being held in Asia. “We can’t even fulfill their basic requirements and selection criteria.”
“I hope and wish the government steps in and helps in reviving performing arts in this country.”
