On February 27, 2025, Theatre Wallay had the pleasure of hosting a group of social workers from Gilgit Baltistan at TW Den. The visit was part of an exposure tour of Islamabad, organized by the Aga Khan Rural Support Program. Around 25 participants attended the session, eager to explore theater as a tool for social change and community engagement.
The session began with an interactive workshop led by Fizza Hasan, Artistic Director of Theatre Wallay. She engaged the participants in various theater games and exercises designed to build confidence, encourage collaboration, and demonstrate the power of storytelling. These exercises helped break the ice and allowed the visitors to experience firsthand how theater can be used as a medium to express emotions, share experiences, and raise awareness about important social issues.
To provide a deeper understanding of theater’s role in advocacy and education, TW actors performed two powerful scenes from different street plays. The first scene focused on domestic violence, shedding light on the harsh realities many women face in their homes and how government institutions play a crucial role in addressing and preventing such abuse. The performance highlighted the importance of legal protections and the need for a supportive system to empower survivors. The second scene tackled the pressing issue of child marriages, portraying the struggles faced by young girls who are forced into early marriages. The scene emphasized the harmful consequences of this practice and the need for community awareness and policy enforcement to combat the issue effectively.
Following the performances, Safeer Ullah Khan, Director of Theatre Wallay, facilitated an in-depth discussion with the audience. He elaborated on the process of script development, emphasizing the significance of understanding the audience’s perspective and the cultural context of the issues being addressed. Safeer shared insights into how Theatre Wallay approaches scriptwriting by conducting thorough research, engaging with affected communities, and ensuring that the narratives are both authentic and impactful.
The discussion encouraged active participation from the social workers, many of whom shared their experiences working in the field. They discussed the challenges they faced in addressing domestic violence and child marriages within their communities, and how theater could be a valuable tool to initiate conversations and drive change. Some participants also expressed interest in incorporating theater-based techniques into their outreach programs and advocacy initiatives.
The session was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. The social workers appreciated the impactful performances and acknowledged the value of theater as a medium for raising awareness and sparking dialogue. They expressed gratitude to Theatre Wallay for the enlightening experience and noted that they had gained valuable insights that could be applied in their work. Many participants mentioned that this session had provided them with new perspectives on how to engage with communities more dynamically and interactively.
Beyond the performances and discussions, the event also served as an opportunity for cultural exchange. The social workers from Gilgit Baltistan shared their own experiences of using arts and storytelling in their community work. They discussed the rich traditions of storytelling in their region and how these traditions could be integrated with modern theater techniques to create a more impactful form of social engagement. This exchange of ideas further reinforced the importance of using creative mediums to address social challenges.
Theatre Wallay remains committed to using theater as a tool for social change, and such collaborations further strengthen the mission of fostering meaningful conversations around critical issues. By engaging with social workers, educators, and activists, Theatre Wallay hopes to expand the reach of theater-based advocacy and inspire more individuals to use performance as a means of driving positive change.
As the session concluded, the participants expressed their enthusiasm for future collaborations. Many of them suggested organizing similar workshops in their communities, where theater could be used to address local issues and empower individuals to become advocates for change. Theatre Wallay welcomed these ideas and expressed its willingness to support such initiatives through training, mentorship, and performances.
This event was yet another testament to the transformative power of theater. It showcased how storytelling, performance, and interactive dialogue can serve as effective tools for raising awareness and fostering critical discussions. Theatre Wallay looks forward to continuing its work in this space, collaborating with organizations and individuals who are passionate about making a difference through the arts.
The session with social workers from Gilgit Baltistan was not just an opportunity for learning but also a celebration of the shared commitment to social justice. It reaffirmed the belief that theater is more than just entertainment—it is a powerful force for education, advocacy, and change. With more such initiatives, Theatre Wallay aims to further its mission of using the performing arts to shine a light on important social issues and inspire communities to take action.
