SUNAY’HA: INVITATION FESTIVAL 22 – 24 April 2005 @ oh!art, OXFORD HOUSE, BETHNAL GREEN

Biographies:

Sheema Kermani is one of the most highly acclaimed classical dancers in
Pakistan, trained in both Bharat Natyam and Odissi styles of dance. She
has also choreographed a number of dances and among her well known
productions is Indus and Europa. In 1981, Sheema formed Tehrik-e-Niswan,
an NGO devoted to raising awareness with regard to women’s issues through
cultural activities, most notably through the stage, video, and
television. Since 1984 she has been teaching dance and continues to
perform. She has advocated women’s issues and general human rights in
performances and conferences worldwide, including the 1995 Beijing World
Conference.

Sarmad Sehbai is a poet, playwright and director, of film and theatre,
Sarmad Sehbai is known in Pakistan for his unorthodox approach towards art
and culture. He pioneered modern theatre with his very first play The Dark
Room. He has been published and performed in English, Punjabi and Urdu.
His poetry revolutionised the poetic idiom, wherein he introduced new
forms and original imagery. His published work includes four collections
of poems and stage plays. Most of his visual productions have received
national and international awards. Currently he is working on a novel in
the English language.

Farhan Maqsood is one of Pakistan’s most promising young directors,
currently studying at Beaconhouse University’s new theatre and film
department. Prior to this, he has worked with Punjab Lok Rahs as an
actor/singer and director, from 1997-2000, studied filmmaking, editing and
documentary production from NCA, 2001. He has conducted several workshops
on street theatre and its relevance, on a national level, directed 4 plays
and a number of short films. His own poetry has been published in Pancham
and he performed Sufi poetry recitations at LEAF, 2000-03, audiocassettes
by Rut Lekha. Presently he is acting in a TV serial, writing his own TV
serial and composing music for 3 other programmes.

© Context Theatre MMIV

return to top | previous page