Islamabad, October 2, 2025 — Theatre Wallay is proud to share that its founder and artistic director, Ms. Fizza Hasan, has been awarded one of France’s highest honors in the field of arts and literature — the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) — by the Ambassador of France to Pakistan, H.E. Nicolas Galey, at a ceremony held at the French Residency in Islamabad.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Ms. Hasan’s outstanding contributions to promoting French language, literature, and theatre in Pakistan, and her enduring efforts to foster cross-cultural dialogue through the performing arts.
A Journey Bridging Cultures
Born in London and raised across Pakistan and Africa, Fizza Hasan’s journey with the French language began in Ghana, where she first studied at the Alliance Française in Accra. Her passion led her to pursue advanced degrees in French at NUML Islamabad in the Teaching of French as a Foreign Language at Université Stendhal in Grenoble. She taught for many years and served as Director of Studies at the Alliance Française Islamabad, where she helped nurture the city’s Francophone community.
In 2004, she founded Theatre Wallay, a collective that has since become one of Pakistan’s most vibrant and socially engaged theatre groups. Under her visionary direction, Theatre Wallay introduced Pakistani audiences to French classics through adaptations in English and Urdu — including Molière’s Tartuffe and L’école des Femmes, Jean Anouilh’s Antigone, Jean-Paul Sartre’s Huis Clos, and Eugène Ionesco’s La Leçon.
Through these productions, Ms. Hasan not only made French theatre accessible to local audiences but also encouraged critical thought, reflection, and dialogue on themes that transcend cultures and eras.
Honoring a Legacy of Dialogue and Expression
Ambassador Nicolas Galey, while conferring the insignia, praised Ms. Hasan’s remarkable work and noted that her contributions perfectly reflect France’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, creativity, and freedom of expression.
“Through theatre, she has invited Pakistanis to engage with France’s literary heritage, while also encouraging reflection on contemporary issues,” he remarked. “Her work embodies the spirit of artistic exchange and reaffirms the importance of creativity as a bridge between nations.”
By honoring Ms. Hasan, the French government has once again recognized the vital role of cultural collaboration in strengthening international partnerships.
A Tribute to Family, Colleagues, and Students
In an emotional speech following the ceremony, Ms. Hasan expressed deep gratitude to the French government for the recognition, reflecting on her personal and professional journey. She credited her family for their encouragement, recalling how her late husband’s unwavering support and belief in her potential became her guiding force.
She said, “This honour, then, is not a recognition of personal work. It is a tribute to all of you – the colleagues, students, theatre people, friends and family who have stood with me – and who remind me every day why what we do matters.”
Continuing the Dialogue
Theatre Wallay celebrates this milestone as a testament to its founding vision — using theatre as a medium to connect cultures, challenge perspectives, and inspire creative exploration. Ms. Hasan’s recognition as a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is not only a personal honor but also a proud moment for Pakistan’s theatre community, reaffirming the power of art to transcend borders.
As Theatre Wallay continues its journey, it remains committed to fostering artistic exchange, original storytelling, and meaningful social dialogue — values at the heart of both French and Pakistani cultural traditions.
The Media Reports of the Event are given below:
