Indian artistes enthrall Lahore

Artistes from India win several admirers at the World Performing Arts Festival in Lahore, Pakistan.

Artistes from India won many admirers at the World Performing Arts Festival in Lahore with a Punjabi play "Loona" that came in for special praise.

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The artistes from "Rangmanch" group not only entertained the Pakistanis but also exposed them to a social theme related to women's liberation.

The Daily Times said the Punjabi play written by Shiv Kumar Batalvi about an 'untouchable' woman married off to an old, impotent king went off well with an audience that also included many Sikhs from India.

Young Pakistani artistes said they learnt new ideas and techniques at the festival, who included artistes from all over the world. Troupes from India, the US and Turkey were among the most popular.

A Persian dance by Shaharzad Dance Company from the US that combined the ancient aesthetics embedded in Persian culture with contemporary themes and concepts was also staged.

Also on display were adaptations from Shakespeare, giving a new interpretation to his plays. Movies from France, Germany and Sri Lanka were also screened.