LAHORE: The Third Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival 2026 at Lahore Arts Council Alhamra featured ‘Ik Boota Ambi Da’, a Punjabi theatrical production by Punjab University’s Natak Theatre Group, conceived as a tribute to the celebrated poet Professor Mohan Singh. Rooted in the richness of Punjabi poetry and the enduring strength of its literary tradition, the production brought the poet’s creative legacy into theatrical expression, highlighting the profound relationship between language, literature and cultural identity.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, attended the performance as Chief Guest, while Professor Dr. Mehboob Hussain, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, was the Guest of Honour. Festival Director Aamir Nawaz welcomed the distinguished guests.
Directed by Faha Shawal, ‘Ik Boota Ambi Da’ brought together poetry, music and performance in a production that honoured the literary sensibility of Professor Mohan Singh.
Professor Dr Israr Chishti developed the creative concept and contributed the music and voice-over, while Mian Ahmed served as Associate Director. The cast comprised Faha Shawal, Faiz Rajput and Mian Ahmed.
Professor Dr Ahmed Bilal served as Producer, with Professor Shehnawaz Zaidi contributing as Adviser.
Jointly organised by the Maas Foundation and Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, the festival provides a prominent platform for theatrical excellence, cultural dialogue and the celebration of Pakistan’s diverse artistic traditions. By bringing together performers and creative talent from educational and cultural institutions, it underscores the importance of theatre in preserving regional languages, sustaining literary heritage and introducing audiences to the richness of their cultural inheritance.
The presentation of ‘Ik Boota Ambi Da’ reflected the festival’s broader artistic purpose: to bring literature into a living, shared experience through the immediacy of the stage. In honouring Professor Mohan Singh, the production reaffirmed the continuing place of Punjabi poetry in the region’s cultural consciousness and demonstrated how theatre can give renewed life to the literary voices that shape a people’s identity.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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