Theatre competition at LCWU highlight human rights issues

LAHORE: Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) hosted Inter Universities Theatre Competition centred around the theme of human rights covering a diverse range of issues like domestic violence, gender violence, women rights, drug abuse and issues of other vulnerable groups such as acid victims, disabled, transgender community, and minorities. The purpose of the event was to foster awareness through artistic expression via theatre.

The event was a collaboration of the Siraj ud Din Dramatics Society of LCWU with Punjab Women Protection Authority, Ministry of Human Rights and Initiatives for Sustainable Development (IFSD). Several teams participated from renowned universities like Kinnaird College, Superior University, five teams from the University of Punjab and LCWU. The Chief Guest of the evening included Ms Kaneez Fatima, Chairperson Punjab Women Protection Authority whereas Lubna Mansoor, Regional Director Ministry of Human Rights, Nadeem Ashraf, Member National Commission for Human Rights, Shahid Nadeem, Director of Ajoka Theatre and PTV Academy, Ms Musarrat Misbah executive director Depilex and SmileAgain foundation and, Mehreen Syed, CEO of International Fashion Academy Pakistan.

At the event, Punjab University College of Art and Design delivered a performance of the play titled ‘Dil Hai Pakistani,’ produced by Natuk Production. It highlighted an important message about human rights. Kinnaird College for Women University presented their play titled Mazloom. Mazloom was a play about victim shaming. It raised the question; of what makes the victim a victim; who the victimizer is; and what makes an individual a victim.

Performers from The University of the Punjab performed their play titled ‘Uth Razia,’ a play intensely presenting the issues of domestic violence.

Superior University with their play Inkaar put forth a sensational play based on the story of a rape victim whose life changed afterwards

Lahore College for Women University’s Siraj ud Din Dramatics Society performed a play titled ‘shanaakht,’ a story about the journey of survival of a trans-person transitioning from being an outcast to being accepted by the mainstream society.