Qissa Khwani Theatrics successfully hosted Pakistan's first-ever Bloomsday celebration at The Black Hole in Islamabad, marking a landmark cultural event that brought together diplomats, scholars, artists and literature enthusiasts to honour the legacy of Irish writer James Joyce. The event was supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Pakistan, in collaboration with the San Patrizio Festival and co-sponsored by PODA Pakistan, and also served as a fundraiser for The Citizens Foundation (TCF).
Keynote Address and Panel Discussion
Mary O'Neill, Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan, delivered the keynote address and participated in an insightful panel discussion and interactive question-and-answer session. The presence of Declan Johnston further underscored the growing cultural ties between Ireland and Pakistan. Literary scholar Max Roveri joined virtually from Dublin to share perspectives on Joyce's work and its contemporary relevance. The discussion, moderated by Ahmad Umar Ayaz, explored Joyce's literary legacy, the cultural significance of Dublin, and the evolving artistic landscape of Pakistan.
Theatrical Performance of Molly Bloom's Monologue
A highlight of the evening was a theatrical presentation of Molly Bloom's celebrated monologue from Ulysses, performed by Huzaifa Bajwa, Uzma Kunwar, Nihal Farid and Sohail Jahangir. The production was produced by Abdul Basit Mushtaq and directed by Muhammad Arslan, introducing Islamabad audiences to one of modern literature's most iconic passages through live theatre.
Philanthropic Purpose and Cultural Impact
As Pakistan's first Bloomsday celebration, the event highlighted the power of literature and performance to transcend borders and foster meaningful dialogue. By combining artistic expression with a philanthropic purpose, it demonstrated how cultural initiatives can contribute to broader social development, particularly in supporting quality education through TCF.
