PERFORMING ARTS IN INDO-PAK SUB-CONTINENT --- A BRIEF

Performing Arts are such Arts that involve performance before a live audience as drama, dance, music, puppetry etc. As far its history in the sub – continent is concerned, we start from the Mughal Period. Mughal’s were great patrons of Art and Literature. All the branches of Art like Architecture, Painting, Music, Dance, Poetry-renderings, Literature reached unparallel heights in their times. Cinema, Television and Radio did not exist at that time. But Dramatic-recitations and drama, in its indigenous form such as: “JATRA” of Bengal, “YAKSHAGANA” of South India, “BHAVI” of Gujrat, “TAMASHA” of Maharashtara, “NAUTANKI” of Utter Pardesh, “NAQAL” (mimicry), “SWANG” and “BHANDAITI” at other places did exist and flourished in the period.

When the British occupied the sub-continent, the focus of all sort of activities shifted to the two sea-ports i.e. Calcutta and Bombay. (Calcutta was even made the capital of India from 1833 to 1912). The British brought with them the modern drama and picture –frame staging. This was promoted by Parsee theatrical Companies, by combining with it the Indigenous conventions of drama.

First silent motion picture Raja Harish Chandra was made in 1913 in Bombay. Lahore’s first silent film (the Daughter of Today) was made in 1924. First talki – film Alam Ara was made in 1931. The advent of sound gave a revolutionary dimension to films which gradually, became an industry. Drama audience quickly shifted its allegiance to the Cinema and many drama companies closed their doors for good and most of their personnel went into the film industry.

Radio also came in 30s. Its features and dramas, though based upon purely western style and traditions, became very popular but introduction of Television, eclipsed it.

After independence, Performing Arts could not be given due importance because of various reasons. Only the military governments gave some life: Field Marshal M. Ayyub Khan, patronized artists & literary persons and initiated first time Medals of Pride of Performances. He also introduced Television in Paksitan. Lt. General Ghulam Jillani Khan gave us Alhamra Cultural Complex, Art Gallery and Alhamra Arts Centre. The present government is all out for promotion of arts and culture and has recently given National Arts Gallery and opened many private Television Channels.

Lahore has been a fountain house of India’s Cinematic growth and performing Arts, but now, it lacks proper professional training in the Arts. Introduction of Diploma Course and more intensive and extensive studies is need of the hour and will produce all rounded persons for Stage and T.V. productions.

The Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts has been giving basic training in various disciplines of art and music. These classes have a long tradition and great names in art and music like Anna Molka Ahmed, Khalid Iqbal, Naseem Qazi, Colin David, Feroze Nizami, Mahraj Kathak, Chote’ Ghulam Ali and numerous other illustrious names have been associated with it over the years. Sunday mornings are dedicated to children where apart from the puppet show they can also enroll into the art class designed specially for young children from the ages of 3 to 11.

(Click here to view the performing arts academy pics)

The following classes are being offered which are held five days a week in custom made class rooms with all facilities:

• Drawing/Painting
• Tabla
• Harmonium
• Flute
• Guitar
• Ceramics
• Calligraphy
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Dance
• Vocal
• Violin
• Sitar
• Child Art (3 to 11 years )