LAHORE – University of Management and Technology (UMT) organized its 1st Drama Festival 2010 on December 30 and 31 2010 at Alhamra Art Council in association with Pakistan Today.
According to the organizers it was the first drama festival of its kind in which people throughout the world watched it live through UMT’s website. Punjab’s Minister for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Dr Tanveer-ul-Islam inaugurated the festival, while Labour Minister Ashraf Khan Sohna was also present at the event.
Souvenirs were also distributed among the participants. On the first day of the festival National College of Arts (NCA) presented its play, ‘Kaha Suna Maaf Kijiye’, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) presented ‘Mano Kahani’, COMSATS presented ‘A Sailor’s Life’ and Voice Society projected on ‘Peace and Discrimination with Special Persons’.
The second day of the festival was both entertaining and eventful with the remaining universities performing their plays. Lahore School of Economics performed ‘Main Kon Hoon’ followed by Superior University’s ‘Thinking from Heart’, SICAS’ ‘Ruk Ja Banday’, University of South Asia’s art exhibition on ‘Gham-e-Dunya’, University of Lahore’s art display on ‘Zindagi ki Pehchan’ and University of Central Punjab’s performance named ‘Diya Jallye Rakhna’.
University of South Asia’s (USA) play was stopped due to its objectionable language and a vulgar dance, whereas the director complained about strict censorship application on the dramas. UMT’s Dramatic Society President Abdul Mohsin told Pakistan Today that USA’s team did not provide them with the complete script, which was a requirement, and they had to stop the performance because of its ‘vulgar dialogues and dance’.
He said SICAS performance also went out of the script which could not be tolerated. He further said even though some segments were criticizing their decision to stop the play but it was needed in order to ensure a ‘vulgarity-free drama festival.’ Organizers termed it a successful event and said that viewer’s interest was overwhelming. They also thanked Pakistan Today for its sponsorship and asked to continue its rich culture of promoting such activities.
One of the viewers on internet said that he really enjoyed the performances while sitting on sofa. He said it was difficult for him to get out of his house in intense weather and thanked UMT for providing home entertainment. He also lauded the efforts of participants of different colleges.
Other partners of the festival were Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Nets, City FM 89, ARY Digital, and PMR.
