LAHORE: Family theatre is having a moment in Lahore. The play *Friends of 70s* opened at Alhamra to a full house on its very first show, with the auditorium ringing with laughter from an audience that turned out in force.

The production leans on a strong story, a well-constructed plot and sharp dialogue, and paints an affectionate portrait of social life, human relationships and domestic settings in the 1970s.

Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari said reviving quality family theatre in the province is a top priority, describing it as part of the Chief Minister’s vision of providing the public with decent, purposeful entertainment. Lahoris, she said, are getting the chance to watch dignified family theatre after a long gap, and the play is a positive effort to introduce a new generation to the social textures of the past. She added that projects promoting the fine arts and cultural activity would continue, and that family theatre is about meaningful messaging as much as entertainment.

The script is by Syed Anjum and the play is directed by the well-known actor Waseem Abbas. The cast features Honey Albela, Qaiser Piya and Ashraf Khan, alongside Mehr Chaudhry, Eman Noor, Usman Raj, Sheeza Butt and Ahmed Mughal. Members of the public, the press and prominent figures from the arts attended the opening night. *Friends of 70s* runs at Alhamra until 14 August.