Shakespeare in Lahore

Veteran actor Zia Mohyeddin

Legendary actor-litterateur Zia Mohyeddin’s annual readings from Urdu literature are an established tradition on Lahore’s literary calendar. Until 2019, for 32 years the eagerly awaited event, “Zia Mohyeddin Ke Saath Aik Shaam” has, on 31 December evenings, marked the closing of every year for enthralled audiences at Lahore’s Ali Auditorium.

Zia Mohyeddin made an exception just once, in 2017, when instead of drawing from Urdu literature he changed to English, offering a selection of his favourite Shakespearean passages.

One of only two sessions ever filmed, “Zia Mohyeddin on Shakespeare” brought the Bard wondrously to life. It is presented now for 2020 in lieu of the 33rd session which could not take place onstage due to Covid.

Watch the readings here.