In March 2003, Claire Pamment found herself in Pakistan meeting, and later working with, theatre practitioners as the Iraq war broke out. And 'Sunay'ha' was born: the simple passion to bring some of Pakistan's top theatre practitioners to the United Kingdom, to exchange art and ideas with UK artists. Today in the UK News, Pakistan is often associated with border troubles or terrorism, Sunay'ha offers a refreshing perspective, built on sharing artistic practice and with illuminating powerful work at the centre: dance, theatre, film and truck art.

Controversial and revered in equal measure, the visiting practitioners offer vibrant expressions of struggle with Pakistan’s complex past, thwarted democracy and continued military rule against a rich cultural heritage. Many of the artists and work involved have been banned or censored during martial regime in 1980s.

The 3-day festival will include:

• Two Plays—Totarama (Parrot-king) by Sarmad Sehbai, performed in English and Sheesh Mehal (Hall of Mirrors) by Najam Hussain Syed which is performed in Classical Punjabi;
• One Dance Piece—Pallawai (Classical Odissi dance) by Sheema Kermani in collaboration with Video Artist Penny Saunders
• Four Films—Laatoo by Faizan Peerzada and Alix Philippon (2002), Fankar Gali by Sarmad Sehbai (1990), 'No-one believes the Professor' by Farjad Nabi (1999) and Mughals of the Road by Sarmad Sehbai (1999)
• Alongside exhibitions, workshops, presentations and debates.

At a time when theatre is proving culturally divisive in the UK, from Behzti (Dishonour) by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti at Birmingham Repertory Theatre to Jerry Springer the Opera on BBC TV, Context Theatre tackles these debates head-on. What can theatre makers living continents apart offer one another? What is the relationship with diaspora artists? What is the true nature of intercultural exchange? Bringing together a wide range of art forms, Sunay'ha is a unique invitation to artists and audience alike to participate in these debates, experiencing some of the best of Pakistan’s theatre, and is part of OH! ARTS seasonal programme, ‘environments’.

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