September 28, 2024
On Saturday, 28th September, we had the privilege of hosting the Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO) at the TW Den in Islamabad. KADO brought together 25 dynamic women activists from the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral regions as part of their initiative to provide training and exposure to women involved in social activism.
The session aimed to inspire and equip the participants with tools for raising awareness about social issues and was structured into two distinct parts. In the first part, we conducted a presentation and discussion on how theater can be a powerful medium for social change. We shared insights on how we develop plays that highlight critical societal issues such as gender-based violence, education, and community welfare. To make the session more engaging, we also performed a short demonstration, showing the participants how theater can be both an educational and entertaining medium. The participants showed keen interest in theater techniques, and developing relatable scripts by asking many questions.
In the second part of the session, we organized a musical evening. The participants were treated to an enchanting performance featuring local tunes played on traditional instruments, including the flute and santoor. Prominent artists from the twin cities entertained the delegates with folk tunes from all across Pakistan. Irfan Khan was on tabla, while Haroon Rasheed played flute and Ali Raza played santoor – a rare instrument that no one else plays in Pakistan. The music brought a sense of cultural connection, and the participants were visibly moved by the experience.
The women activists from Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral expressed immense satisfaction with the session. They enjoyed the theater segment and were particularly delighted by the musical evening. Their positive feedback reaffirms our belief in the power of arts to bridge gaps, inspire change, and foster a sense of community.
We look forward to more such collaborations in the future, continuing our journey of using theater and the arts for social awareness and empowerment.
