The Bari Theater, one of the prominent recreational centers in Lahore, has been sealed by Assistant Commissioner Lahore for violating the drama act and showcasing obscene performances during a stage play.
The theater’s license has been suspended by the home department following numerous complaints of indecent acts during the performances.
Despite the suspension of the license, the owner of Bari Theater, located in Allama Iqbal Town, continued to operate and present dramas to the public without taking any heed of the authority’s actions. Consequently, the district administration took action and sealed the theater upon the request of the Punjab Arts Council.
The home department had conducted an inquiry into the allegations of indecent performances, which led to a ban on the actresses involved for a month.
This decision was made to ensure accountability and discourage the production of content that goes against societal and cultural norms.
Bari Theater holds a significant place in Lahore’s entertainment landscape, having been the venue for many successful films in the country. Originally constructed by renowned film producer Malik Bari, the theater boasted three halls, studio rooms, film sets, a laboratory, and all the necessary equipment for filming and post-production.
However, over the past two decades, the theater faced challenges as the entertainment industry experienced a downturn.
As a result, only certain parts of the facility remained available for film production, while others were repurposed as marriage halls with ample parking space. Additionally, some rooms were allocated to small businesses.
Currently, Bari Theater has been criticized for showcasing poorly produced theater shows characterized by crude humor and vulgarity. This situation has further contributed to the decline in the theater’s reputation and overall quality of content.
