Islamabad: Theatre Wallay, with support from the School of Leadership Foundation and UNFPA, recently conducted an impactful training program at Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan and the University of Peshawar. This initiative, focused on script development and theater techniques, aimed to empower students to create and perform plays that shed light on critical social issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) and child marriages.
Over several weeks, experts from Theatre Wallay worked closely with students, guiding them through the process of developing narratives and translating these into powerful stage performances. The training culminated in two performances in Peshawar and four in Multan, each followed by interactive discussions with the audience, sparking meaningful conversations about the issues at hand.
Stories of Impact
The plays developed by the students were powerful reflections of the struggles many face in rural and urban communities. In Peshawar, a play about domestic violence showcased how societal norms often silence victims, leaving them without support or justice. The other play in Multan focused on how men could play a critical role in ending gender-based violence in the society.
The audience reactions were strong and emotional, with many members recognizing the importance of the stories being told. One audience member in Multan shared, “The play reminded me of people from my own village. It’s important for these issues to be brought to light so that change can begin.”
The students were not only able to tell stories from their own communities, but they also drew upon real-life experiences to craft narratives that resonated with the audience. This level of connection and engagement elevated the performances beyond mere entertainment, making them a catalyst for change.
A defining feature of these performances was the post-show interactive sessions, where audience members were invited to discuss the themes of the plays. These discussions created a space for open dialogue, allowing audience members to reflect on how GBV and child marriages impact their own lives and communities.
Audience Engagement
One student in Peshawar noted, “Watching the play made these issues feel more real. We hear about them all the time, but seeing it on stage made me understand the gravity of it.” These post-performance discussions also led to some audience members sharing personal experiences, further emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about such sensitive topics.
A Successful Initiative
The positive reception of the performances and the enthusiastic participation in the post-show discussions demonstrated the success of the initiative. By providing a platform for young people to engage with social issues through theater, the program not only encouraged artistic expression but also created a space for meaningful conversations and potential action. Theatre Wallay hopes to expand this initiative to other universities in Pakistan with support from the School of Leadership Foundation and UNFPA as well as from other supporters. The positive outcomes from the workshops at BZU Multan and the University of Peshawar suggest that the students, empowered by their training, will continue to raise awareness of important social issues.
