Chaand Nagar Theatre came into being in 2023 out of a desire to fill the cultural void in Islamabad and Rawalpindi—a void that felt all the more stark when compared to the vibrant arts scenes in Karachi and Lahore. We began humbly, with no space of our own, no equipment, and no budget, just a shared conviction that art matters. With the generous support of friends who believed in the power of theatre, we set up our base on the premises of Indus Valley School of Learning in Westridge, Rawalpindi, and began programming after school hours.

On December 9, 2023, we held our Opening Ceremony, expecting a small, quiet gathering. Instead, over a hundred people turned up, affirming our belief that this city was ready – hungry, even – for thoughtful, engaging, and bold storytelling.

Since then, Chaand Nagar Theatre has been moving steadily forward. On July 26 and 27, 2025, we staged Waswasa: Aik Kahani, the official Urdu adaptation of John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt: A Parable, marking the first time a contemporary Pulitzer Prize-winning play was performed in Pakistan. It was a landmark moment not just for us, but for theatre in the twin cities.

Our journey is only just beginning. Everything we’ve achieved so far has been made possible by the unwavering support of our community. We remain committed to producing meaningful, high-quality theatre—and to exceeding expectations at every turn.

Click here to learn more about the founder, Imran Iftikhar