Government of the Punjab is reviving the tradition of family-oriented theatre with the stage production “Friends of the ’70s”, which will be staged at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, from August 8 to 14.
Punjab govt all out to revive family theatre tradition with ‘Friends of the ’70s’ presentation at Alhamra
LAHORE, Aug 07 (APP): Government of the Punjab is reviving the tradition of family-oriented theatre with the stage production “Friends of the ’70s”, which will be staged at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, from August 8 to 14.
The production has been launched in line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of promoting healthy, meaningful and family-oriented entertainment and reflects the provincial government’s renewed efforts to restore the dignity of Pakistani theatre and strengthen the cultural landscape of Punjab. The production has been arranged with the special support of Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari.
Written by acclaimed playwright Saeed Anjum and directed by renowned actor and director Waseem Abbas, “Friends of the ’70s” pays tribute to an era remembered for strong family bonds, refined social values, cultural elegance and timeless music. Blending humour, nostalgia and emotionally engaging storytelling, the play seeks to recreate the social and cultural atmosphere of the 1970s while highlighting theatre’s role in preserving cultural identity, promoting social harmony and connecting different generations. The cast includes Honey Albela, Qaiser Piya, Ashraf Khan, Meher Chaudhry, Iman Noor, Usman Raj, Sheeza Butt and Ahmed Mughal, while the production design by Meher-un-Nisa and Bilal aims to recreate the warmth and visual character of the era.
The Lahore Arts Council has positioned the production as part of its broader efforts to revive meaningful performing arts and provide audiences with quality Pakistani theatre. Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said great theatre not only entertains audiences but also preserves cultural identity, strengthens shared values and encourages meaningful dialogue between generations. He said productions such as “Friends of the ’70s” demonstrate Alhamra’s commitment to reviving the finest traditions of Pakistani theatre while providing inspiring cultural experiences for contemporary audiences and creating opportunities for emerging artists.
In an effort to introduce younger generations to the country’s theatrical heritage, Alhamra has also extended special invitations to students from schools, colleges and universities to attend the performances and experience quality Pakistani theatre. The opening ceremony is expected to be attended by prominent personalities from theatre, television, film, literature and the arts. Tickets for the play have been fixed at Rs 500, with both advance booking and on-the-spot purchase facilities available throughout the performance period. The production is being presented as more than a theatrical performance, with the organisers describing it as a cultural initiative aimed at strengthening artistic traditions and promoting wholesome family entertainment rooted in Pakistan’s social and cultural values.
