In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, Lahore's Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus came alive with theatrical magic on Thursday evening as it hosted the premiere of Do Dafa Ka Zikr Hai (Twice Upon a Time). This unique production represented a collaborative effort between the German Cultural Centre, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Islamabad, and the acclaimed theatre collective Theatre Wallay.
A Fusion of Storytelling Traditions
The open-air performance transformed the garden of the cultural centre into an enchanting space where beloved folk stories from Germany and Pakistan intertwined. Performed entirely in Urdu and specifically crafted for young audiences, the play successfully blended humor, imagination, and thoughtful reflection, creating an experience that resonated equally with adult attendees.
Through a dynamic combination of narration, movement, and music, Do Dafa Ka Zikr Hai reimagined traditional tales while exploring universal themes of empathy, creativity, and cross-cultural connection. The production demonstrated how storytelling traditions from different parts of the world share common threads that bind humanity together.
Enthusiastic Audience Response
The event attracted a diverse and enthusiastic audience that included children from underserved communities, teachers, families, artists, and dedicated theatre enthusiasts. Throughout the performance, the crowd responded with frequent laughter and enthusiastic applause, creating an electric atmosphere under the open sky.
Younger viewers were particularly captivated by the colorful characters and playful storytelling approach, while adults appreciated the thoughtful script and inventive direction. The production proved that carefully crafted children's theater can transcend age barriers and speak to universal human experiences.
Voices from the Production
Ms Naurin Ahmad Zaki, Director of the Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus, commended Theatre Wallay for their significant role in promoting cultural exchange and youth engagement through the arts. "With the support of the German Embassy, Theatre Wallay beautifully brings together German and Pakistani storytelling traditions in a single performance, creating a fresh experience for the audience," she stated. "It aligns closely with our mission to promote cultural understanding."
Ms Fizza Hasan, Founder and Artistic Director of Theatre Wallay, expressed her gratitude to the German Embassy and the Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus for their longstanding support of artistic initiatives. "Storytelling has always been central to human experience," she reflected. "But in today's technology-driven world, children are rarely told stories, and we risk losing the joy of listening and imagining. Through this play, Theatre Wallay hopes to revive old tales and restore the warmth of shared storytelling."
The production was co-written and co-directed by Ms. Hasan and Safeer Ullah Khan, featuring performances by a talented ensemble cast including Usama Ahmad Khan, Saboora Marium, Ramil Aftab, Ahad Ali Siddiqui, Adil Yousuf, Faizan Ahmad, Sahar Saqib and Zia Rehman. Essential production support came from Fahad Tariq, Karum Kayani and Mustafa Hasan, whose contributions helped bring this cross-cultural vision to life.
This successful collaboration between German and Pakistani cultural institutions demonstrates the powerful role that artistic exchange can play in building bridges between communities and preserving the rich tradition of storytelling for future generations.
