Puppet Festival kicks off today

LAHORE: Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop’s three-day-long International Puppet Festival kicks off at the Rafi Peer Cultural Centre, Green Acres, Raiwind Road at 10am on Friday (today).

This was announced by Usman, Sadaan, Imran and Tasneem Peerzada, in a joint press conference at the Rafi Peer Cultural Centre on Thursday.

Giving the details of this festival, Usman Peerzada revealed that the festival was being held at Rafi Peer Cultural Centre from Friday (today) to 17th February (Sunday). He said this was the first time after 2008’s attack on the international festival. Three international groups from three countries, including Germany, Turkey & Indonesia, besides many puppeteer groups from Pakistan, are participating in this mega event.

Talking to the media, Usman Peerzada said that the Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop had been keeping the cultural flag of the country high, not only in Pakistan but, in other countries of the world since the 70’s. However, he was quite disappointed with the response from the government towards the promotion and support of the Rafi Peer Theatre as well as many other serious entities working hard to earn a good name to the country. He added that they had been completely deprived of any support from the private sector too since 2008 but has been making the all-out effort to keep our great indigenous culture.

Sadaan Peerzada pointed out that there had been no financial support to the Rafi Peer Theatre for the last five years; nevertheless, they have never let it go and kept working day and night to show a beautiful face of our culture. He admitted that there had been an overall economic depression all over the world and Pakistan was no exception. However, Sadaan added that they had always been hopeful that the things would change into a better one very soon in our beloved country under the leadership of Imran Khan.

Our correspondent adds: Punjab University Library Book Club has organised a talk on “Ajay Qayamat Nai Aye” written by Munnu Bhai and Farid-ud-Din Attar’s “The Conference of the Birds” translated by Afkham Darbandi to nurture reading culture among students.

The introductory talk on the Punjabi poetry book of Munnu Bhai was presented by Dr Ahmed Bilal, Assistant Professor, PU College of Art and Design. He presented in an artistic way the theme of the book carrying the humane message of Munnu Bhai. He inspired the audience with the depth of the intellectual and compassionate thought of the writer.

The talk on the second book was presented by Shahzeb Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and literature. He inspired the audience with his striking style of presentation to read the book that have a wonderful spiritual and self-actualisation theme.

Chief Librarian Dr Muhammad Haroon Usmani said on the occasion that one purpose of these efforts of the library on promotion of reading culture is also to kindle the self-realisation process among younger generation.