Independent Theatre Pakistan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Independent Theatre Pakistan

Type	Performing arts organization
Industry	Entertainment
Genre	Urdu and English plays, storytelling, musicals, theatre education, promotion of literature and theatre both professionally and in the community
Founded	23 March 2012; 13 years ago (2012-03-23)
Founder	Azeem Hamid
Headquarters	Lahore, Punjab , Pakistan
Area served	Pakistan
Key people	Azeem Hamid

Independent Theatre Pakistan, often called ITP, is a theatre group from Lahore, Pakistan. It started in March 2012. The group is led by its founder, Azeem Hamid. ITP is known for being a young theatre company that has performed many shows both in Pakistan and in other countries. Since it began, ITP has put on more than 25 plays.

The group mainly performs plays in the Urdu language. They have also performed in English and Punjabi. A big goal for ITP is to help bring back interest in Urdu literature in Pakistan. Independent Theatre Pakistan also works to help young people in Pakistan grow through creative and performing arts.

Independent Theatre Pakistan has created its own plays, like Awaaz (which means Voice). This was a play with a lot of suspense. They also made a funny short play called Kuttay (meaning Dogs). They have also performed plays based on stories by famous writers from South Asia. These writers include Saadat Hassan Manto, Rajinder Singh Bedi, Krishan Chander, Imtiaz Ali Taj, Ashfaq Ahmed, and Meerza Adeeb.

The Story of ITP

How ITP Started (2012)

Zara Peerzada as "Saugandi" in Manto's Hatak (Insult) directed by Azeem Hamid in Lahore, 2012.

Azeem Hamid and Danyaal Syed started the company in 2012. Today, ITP performs in many theatres in Lahore. These include Alhamra Arts Council and Ali Auditorium. They use these places for classic Urdu plays and musicals. They also visit different schools for theatre workshops and short plays.

Their very first play was Hatak (meaning Insult). It featured the model and actress Zara Peerzada in the main role. This play was based on a short story by the famous Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto. It was performed in November 2012 and got good reviews. After this, the group worked with Beaconhouse School Liberty. They put on a play called Dareecha, which was inspired by Qurtaba Ka Qazi by Imtiaz Ali Taj.

Early Performances (2013)

In 2013, ITP started the year with two short plays. One was Dastak (The Knock) by Meerza Adeeb. The other was an original play called Awaaz (Voice). They worked with Lahore Grammar School for Awaaz. This play won two awards for best actress and best supporting actor.

After this success, they had a sold-out show in March. It was a play based on Ashfaq Ahmed's TV play Fehmida Ki Kahani, Ustaani Rahat Ki Zubani. Many writers praised this performance. From October 4 to 6, the group performed Rajinder Singh Bedi's classic comedy Naql-e-Makani (Moving to a New House). Audiences and critics really liked it. In the same month, Azeem Hamid directed Kuttay. This was a funny play that made fun of society. It won the Imtiaz Ali Taj award at a festival in Lahore.

Going International (2014–2015)

The next year, ITP put on several shows. These included Jhelum Mein Naupar (The Sailing Boat in Jhelum). It featured actress Amtul Baweja. They also adapted Reginald Rose's famous film Twelve Angry Men into a play called Twelve Angry Jurors. These plays were shown at different places in Lahore.

In the summer, the group went on their first international tour. They visited the 2nd International SPIC MACAY Convention in Chennai, India. There, they worked with a master of Koodiyattam (an old Indian theatre style). Together, they performed a classical play called Anguliyankam (The Golden Ring) in June 2014.

Manto's Kamra #9 (Room No. 9) directed by Azeem Hamid in Lahore, 2014. From left to right: Faizan Naveed as "Nasir", Namwar Ayaz as "Zamaan" and Zoya Uzair as "Shireen".

In December, the company put on one of their most famous plays, Kamra No. 9 (Room No. 9). This play was originally a radio show by Saadat Hasan Manto and was directed by Azeem Hamid. Critics and audiences loved the performance. Daily Times said it was "Urdu theatre at its finest." Shoaib Ahmed from Dawn wrote that the play kept the audience "glued to their seats." Azeem Hamid mentioned that creating the look of 1930s Delhi for a radio play was a big challenge.

After its success in Pakistan, the company performed Kamra No. 9 in West Bengal, India. They did this to help promote peace between the two countries. The director, Azeem Hamid, received an 'Address of Honour' from MLA Ajoy Dey for directing the play in West Bengal.

Rashid Mehmood as "Fakir" and Shafaq Yousuf as "Munni" in Sammi Di Vaar in Lahore, 2015.

In 2015, Azeem Hamid said he wanted to make ITP even better. The company supported the 'The End Polio Now' campaign. They performed a play called Scream at this event. In December, the group put on three plays together, called 3 Kahaniyan (Three Stories). These included Bu (Odour), a play by Ayesha Mohsin. There was also a Punjabi play, Sammi Di Vaar (Sammi's Life), which featured the famous Pakistani actor Rashid Mehmood. The third play was Badshahat Ka Khatma (Kingdom's End) by Saadat Hasan Manto, adapted by Azeem Hamid. The Nation praised the show, saying it had a lasting impact.

Growing Popularity (2016)

In March 2016, ITP put on a funny play called Rumors by Neil Simon. Many famous people and film stars praised and supported this show. It was a sold-out performance. Soon after, members of the company went to the 4th International Convention of SPIC MACAY in India. In September, the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences held a three-day theatre workshop called 'Dramaship'. Azeem Hamid and Faiz Rasool from ITP gave talks. The workshop helped students learn theatre skills and express themselves.

On October 20, Hamid announced that the company would direct three full-length comedy plays. These included Arsenic and Old Lace, Run for Your Wife, and Around the World in 80 Days. Azeem Hamid told Daily Pakistan that it would be a dream come true for theatre lovers. He said they were working to bring back theatre culture in Pakistan. The Nation reported that ITP would present Arsenic and Old Lace on November 19 in Lahore.

On November 25, Daily Pakistan reviewed Arsenic and Old Lace. They said Independent Theatre put on an "amazingly hilarious play." A week later, Faiz Rasool directed a comedy by Ray Cooney. This play was called Run For Your Wife. It received great applause from audiences and critics. Daily Pakistan called it a remarkable success, with full houses for both days.

In December, the group started the ASSITEJ Pakistan National Center. This was with other theatre professionals who work with children and young people in Pakistan. Their goal was to hold a performing arts festival the next year in Lahore.

Continued Success (2017–2018)

The Odd Couple directed by Azeem Hamid in Lahore, 2017. From left to right: Akash Mufti as "Oscar Madison", Sofiya Khan and Wajeeha Javaid as "Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon" with Ali Sultan as "Felix Ungar".

The Independent Theatre Pakistan team announced they would host the biggest children's performing arts festival. It was called Tamasha Festival. It took place on April 7, 8, and 9 at Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore. On April 7, Dawn reported that the festival would have theatre shows for young people. It also offered training workshops and discussions for the public. Many important guests attended the opening ceremony. Salima Hashmi, a famous artist, spoke about the importance of supporting young talent.

The Nation newspaper reported on the second day of Tamasha Festival. They said there were interesting talks about theatre for children. Experts from other countries, like Asaya Fujita and Sue Giles, shared their ideas. They talked about how theatre helps children's brains and creativity. Another session discussed theatre in Pakistan and Korea.

On May 19, the company put on plays based on Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne and Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. These were directed by Syed Shabee-ul-Hassan. Later in November 2017, they had successful shows of The Odd Couple by Neil Simon, directed by Azeem Hamid. They also performed Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig.

In Spring 2018, the group directed and produced Macbeth by William Shakespeare. They also adapted The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Another show was Pirates of the Currybean, a children's musical inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean. On May 12, Independent Theatre Pakistan worked with other groups to put on a musical called Rang-e-Kainat (The Universe of Colours). In October 2018, Zainab Muzaffar and Noor-ul-Huda directed The Female Odd Couple by Neil Simon.

Theatre for Young Audiences (2019–2020)

On November 15, 2019, the company performed Nizaam Sakka (Water Carrier) by Mumtaz Mufti. They worked with Lahore Grammar School for this play.

In July 2020, Diva Magazine listed 10 modern theatre plays. It included ITP's 2018 show 3 Kahaniyan (Three Stories). The magazine said it was a play they "couldn't get enough of."

Learning Through Theatre

Independent Theatre Pakistan uses acting and storytelling in its workshops. These workshops help young people think creatively. Azeem Hamid, the director, told BBC Urdu that theatre helps build confidence. It also improves leadership skills and teaches empathy. He said storytelling is very important for teaching subjects in a creative way.

The group has worked with many schools and universities. These include Lahore Grammar School, The City School, and Beaconhouse School System. They also work with non-profit groups like Rabtt. Their goal is to promote theatre and literature in Pakistan.

ITP has also worked with Justice Project Pakistan. This group helps people learn about their basic rights. ITP performed short plays on the streets of Lahore to raise awareness.

In January 2016, members of the company were featured in a TV show called Kahani Pakistani. They talked about how theatre shows our lives in Pakistan. ITP continues to offer workshops and classes. These help young Pakistani artists learn about theatre production, performance, and teaching. Azeem Hamid said they are researching performing arts in Pakistan. They are creating new theatre programs for young people. He added that their plays focus on Pakistani values and help create understanding between cultures.

As part of ASSITEJ Pakistan National Centre, the company hosted the 7th annual ASSITEJ Asia Meeting in Lahore from April 6–7, 2017. After this, they organized the Tamasha Festival. This festival showed 8 theatre, dance, and music performances by professional groups. It also featured 21 theatre performances by schools. There were 10 performing arts workshops for children and young audiences. Plus, there were 8 discussions about performing arts for young people. In March 2018, the organization hosted the first ASSITEJ Next Generation program. This program brought young theatre artists from all over the world to Lahore. They came to share ideas and learn from each other.

Plays Performed

Independent Theatre Pakistan has put on many full-length and short plays. They have performed in Urdu, English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Awards and Recognition

Independent Theatre Pakistan has won several awards. In 2013, they won "Best Supporting Role" and "Best Actor" awards at the Lahore Grammar School's Colors & Humor festival. They also won the "Imtiaz Ali Taj" award for their play Kuttay. In 2014, they won "Best Play" and "Best Actor" awards at the BNU Bestival.

Their first international award was for Kamra #9 (Room No. 9) at the Rangapeeth Natyamela in December 2014 in West Bengal, India. They also received an 'Address of Honour' for their work in promoting peace. In 2019, the organization was part of the Developing Inclusive and Creative Economies (DICE) fellowship program. This program was hosted by British Council Pakistan.

See also

• Theatre of Pakistan