LAHORE: The Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR) and the Information and Culture Department have launched action against female stage actors and theatre managements in Lahore and Gujranwala.
The action follows alleged violations of government policies, the Punjab Drama Act and prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs).
PUCAR Executive Director Mahboob Alam directed the action after monitoring reports highlighted alleged violations during stage performances at commercial theatres in the two cities.
Notices Issued to Stage Actors
Stage actor Sonia Lal, who was performing at Shabistan Theatre, received a show-cause notice dated September 12.
The notice relates to alleged vulgar dance routines and audience involvement during her performance on September 11.
Similarly, Nida Chaudhry of Mehfil Theatre received a notice on September 13 over an alleged vulgar dance performance. Her hearing has been scheduled for September 16.
Khushboo Khan, who was also performing at Mehfil Theatre, received a notice on September 13.
She has been accused of obscene actions and exposure during a performance on September 12. Her hearing is also scheduled for September 16.
Fiza Anand was served a notice on September 12 over her performance at Capri Theatre in Gujranwala.
She allegedly continued her dance performance after an audience member threw money at her during the September 11 show.
The theatre management and licence holder also received notices over alleged violations.
Theatre Managements Face Action
One notice issued to the Capri Theatre management concerns allegedly exceeding the prescribed performance timing.
Another notice relates to the alleged failure to stop money being thrown onto the stage and the collection of cash.
The management and licence holder have been summoned for a hearing on September 16.
The Punjabi Theatre management and licence holder in Lahore have also received a notice. They are accused of switching off monitoring cameras during the September 11 show.
Meanwhile, the Sitara Theatre management and licence holder in Lahore were served notices for allegedly turning off monitoring cameras during the September 13 performance.
Their hearing has also been fixed for September 16.
PUCAR has reiterated that all commercial theatres must strictly comply with the Punjab Drama Act, government policies and prescribed SOPs.
The arts council said compliance with the regulations is mandatory for all commercial theatre performances.
