DramaFest is an annual all-Pakistan dramatics competition organised exclusively by DramaLine, the dramatics society at Lahore University of Management Sciences’ (LUMS). It is an event that is organised as an attempt by DramaLine to promote the culture of drama amongst the youth of Pakistan, and to encourage young amateur artists, aspiring producers, potential scriptwriters and directors to bring out their flair for drama and display their talents and expertise. Participants and spectators from all over the country came to witness the spectacular amalgamation of talents and the theatrical display of various exceptional themes.
DramaFest is a three-day event which was held from 14 October to 16 October, and during this time period, sixteen teams from all over the country availed the opportunity to perform for the biggest audience that a drama competition in Pakistan has received. These teams competed to put on the best show and craved for a positive response not only from the audience, but from the esteemed guests as well, namely Shahnaz Sheikh and Ijlal Khan. The sixteen teams included LGS Paragon, LGS 1A1, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (Karachi), FAST, GIKI, SICAS, LGS Defence, LGS 55 Main, LGS JT, University of South Asia, Beacon House National University, Bahria University, Punjab University, Comsats, and Aitchison.
DramaFest was staged not only to provide a platform for educational institutions to bring out their talent, but to award the efforts of Pakistan’s youth, and this awards for best play, best actor, best actress, and many more were announced on Sunday by the judges. The plays that were staged by FAST University ad LGS Paragon proved to be the most popular. FAST University performed a play by the name of Social Pagal, and not only got a Standing Ovation at the end of their performance but received six nominations and four awards out of the total twelve categories. The FAST University won Best Play, Best Actor (Shah Fahad – who was the director and the writer for the play), Best script, and the biggest award of the night – the award for the best team. Likewise, LSG Paragon won the award of the People’s Choice Awards, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director. Bahria University won the award for Best Make up while the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture won the award for the Best Actress.
DramaLine staged three performances during the course of the three day event, and one of their performances was extremely significant as it was based on the true stories of acid burnt victims, and how they were helped in rebuilding their lives through the Depilex Smile Again Foundation. Not only were their stories of bravery and survival told, but after the play was performed, these women were among the audience and were called on stage to share a few words. They were highly touched by DramaLine for taking the effort to share their stories with the youth, and the founder for the Depilex Smile Again Foundation took a moment to praise the bravery of these women and applauded them as well as DramaLine for taking the initiative to do their bit for society.
DramaFest concluded after three days that were filled with enthusiasm, zest and fervour. It provided a good oppurtunity for amatuer artists from all over Pakistan to display their love for art and theatre. Other than that, it gave them a chance to show their perspective on the social issues that are currently affecting our country. Theatre is a mode of artistic expression that is dying in our country and needs to be revived; events like the Dramafest can make that happen.
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