Theatre Wallay, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, successfully staged its latest theatre production, “Do Dafa Ka Zikr Hai” (Twice Upon a Time), based on traditional German and Pakistani tales, at the Associate College for Women in Dina Tehsil, Jhelum District on Thursday, 23rd October 25 2025.
The Urdu play — designed for children and equally engaging for adults — transported audiences into a world of creativity, humor, and reflection, where familiar tales were retold in surprising and thought-provoking ways. The performance blended storytelling, music, and movement to explore timeless themes of imagination, empathy, and cultural connection.
The fascinating show drew an enthusiastic and diverse audience, including schoolchildren, teachers, families, educators and local officials as well as artists and theatre enthusiasts. Laughter, curiosity, and applause filled the hall as children delighted in the playful storytelling and vibrant performances. Adults, meanwhile, praised the production for its layered narrative, creative staging, and the way it invited reflection on storytelling traditions and shared human experiences. Many audience members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality, family-friendly production in Jhelum.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Arno Kirchhof, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, commended Theatre Wallay for its creative contribution to cultural exchange and youth engagement. He remarked that,
“Theatre Wallay brings Pakistani and German traditional tales alive together and thereby shows us how culturally intertwined South Asia and Europe are. I am grateful for this wonderful experience!”
Ms. Fizza Hasan, founder and artistic director of Theatre Wallay, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the German Embassy and shared:
“Storytelling is as old as man; people have always told stories and listened to them. In our times of technology and AI, no one is telling stories to our children anymore and they are losing their ability to listen and to imagine. With this production, Theatre Wallay hope to bring old tales back to life, and to rekindle the joy that comes with having stories told to you, whether you are a child or an adult.”
Do Dafa Ka Zikr Hai was co-written and co-directed by Fizza Hasan and Safeer Ullah Khan, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Usama Ahmad Khan, Saboora Marium, Ramil Aftab, Ahad Ali Siddiqui, Adil Yousuf, Faizan Ahmad, Sahar Saqib, and Zia Rehman. The production team included Fahad Tariq, Karum Kayani, and Mustafa Hasan.
For over two decades, Theatre Wallay has been at the forefront of quality theatre in Islamabad, producing an impressive range of performances — from adaptations of world literature to original plays that engage with social, cultural, and political themes. The group continues to be a vital force in Pakistan’s performing arts scene, dedicated to promoting thoughtful storytelling and community dialogue through theatre. The collaboration with the German Embassy builds on a longstanding relationship that promotes cultural dialogue and the use of theatre to foster understanding and social awareness.
For more information, please contact:
Safeer Ullah Khan
Director, Theatre Wallay
Phone/WhatsApp: 03335340993
Email: theatre.wallay@gmail.com