French embassy celebrates 45 years of Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop

The French Embassy in Islamabad on Friday celebrated 45 years of Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop and outstanding contribution to the arts and culture in Pakistan.

The event was formally inaugurated by French Ambassador to Pakistan Marc Barety who welcomed the participants that included government officials, diplomats, artists and members of the civil society.

Some of the best folk and Sufi artists of the country performed at the event which has been organized at the French Ambassador's Residence. The artists included Sain Zahoor, Tahseen Sakina, Mian Meer Qawals, Shoukat Dholiya, Nighat Choudhery and Wahab Shah who enthralled the audience with the performances and Sufi music.

Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop started its journey in 1974 with the National Theatre Cultural Project. In 1982, the first permanent puppet theatre was setup at the Alliance Francaise Karachi. Our continued and friendly partnership underscores the historic contribution of the French Embassy and of Alliance Francaise in the promotion of arts and culture in Pakistan.

The Rafi Peer theatre workshop is a non-governmental body dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts globally. Since its inception, it has grown to encompass the Rafi Peer Cultural Centre which houses the Museum of Puppetry, an Art and Craft Village and a Café.

Rafi Peer Theatre has promoted over 80 festivals including the World Performing Arts Festival, the International Folk Puppet Festival, the Youth Performing Arts Festival, the International Mystic Music Sufi Festival, the International Film Festival and the Saanjh Amritsar Lahore Peace Festival.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019