Afreen pushes for cultural pride in Theatre

Renowned artist Afreen Pari has laid stress on constructive criticism to uplift the theater industry.She emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of those involved in the performing arts.”Any decision or opinion must be shaped after seeing the effort we put into our craft. People need to witness our commitment firsthand,” she said.Afreen addressed the challenges faced by theater artists, stressing the distinction between live stage performances and digital content. “Performing on stage is not the same as filming for YouTube.She added: “Despite these differences, we always follow rules and regulations and welcome constructive criticism as a path to improvement.”Highlighting cultural constraints, Afreen expressed frustration with the monotony of stereotypical songs and advocated for permission to perform traditional bhangra.“If Indian songs can be performed at various events and their films are screened here, why can’t we celebrate our heritage with bhangra? Our artists rehearse for hours and perform internationally; it’s time we received the same respect and recognition at home,” she asserted.She also called attention to the need for variety, proper training, and strong leadership in the theater industry. There is a dire need for dance academies and institutions to provide structured training. I have been part of this art form for 17 years, and I have never performed without rigorous preparation,” she said.Afreen underlined the vital role of good writers and directors in countering vulgarity and elevating the quality of plays. “The lack of skilled writers and directors creates space for mediocrity. We need strong teamwork, proper scripting, and visionary direction to produce meaningful plays,” she emphasized.She further highlighted the unique power of theater in creating awareness and shaping public opinion. “In just two hours, a live performance can convey powerful messages, raise awareness about social issues, and inspire change,” Afreen said, underlining theatre’s role as a platform for societal impact.Addressing the stigma faced by stage performers, she called for respect, particularly for female artists. “Targeted trolling of stage artists, especially women, is unwarranted. Dance performances are common at weddings, yet stage artists are criticized for the same. “We deserve respect as professionals who bring value to society,” she stressed.