Third Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival Opens in Lahore with Five Nations Performing
The Lahore Arts Council's Alhamra Arts Centre launched the Third Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival on 23 October, bringing theatre companies from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Norway and France together for a six-day celebration of world stage performance.
On 23 October 2026, the Third Punjab Maas International Theatre Festival opened at the Alhamra Arts Centre on Mall Road in Lahore, Pakistan, running through to 28 October. Organised by the Lahore Arts Council, the festival brings together theatre groups from five countries: Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Norway and France. Norway's ERLER Teater Kompani opens proceedings with 'Gangster Hunting with Daisy Detective', while France contributes 'Zig Zag', Kazakhstan's Ilyas Omarov Kostanay Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre stages 'Sholpan's Sin', and Indonesia's Sanggar Obrog Selagiling Seni closes the festival with 'Kintir'. Pakistani theatre artists perform throughout the event. The festival's overarching theme is cultural exchange, with programme strands addressing artistic freedom, digital culture, social transformation and the role of theatre in engaging younger generations. Alongside performances, the festival features panel discussions and creative workshops under the title 'Designing Encounters: Creating Immersive Experiences', focusing on inclusive theatre and youth participation. Alhamra is one of Pakistan's most prestigious public arts venues. The event reflects a growing trend of international theatre festivals in South Asia using live performance as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue.
