Abstract:

This article is a comparative analysis between popular Punjabi stage shows and contemporary serious theatre and investigates the effects of both types of theatres on our society. Through ethnographic framework we present an assessment of the content they present to the public. Stage dramas are a very vibrant form of media in the region and in Pakistan there are currently two types of theatres: the popular bawdy Punjabi stage shows and the more serious contemporary Pakistani drama. The popular Punjabi stage shows that have become quite common in the cities are very inappropriate and they have a bad effect on the public. These popular plays are in bad taste, appeal to a vulgar audience and present females as sex objects in order to attract a larger number of customers and make more money. As such they should not be considered as part of our culture. On the other hand, contemporary Pakistani drama deal with our society and usually present themes that point out faults and try to improve our social set up, values and thinking. Currently several organizations are working hard to bring back audiences to this higher class of plays which play a positive role in our culture. People are also becoming more conscious of entertainment that is good for society and condemn the popular stage shows and are patronizing contemporary Pakistani drama, even though it will still take some time for it to flourish.

Keywords: