Save The Farm: Cultural Space in Islamabad

Theatre Wallay is a collective of theatre artists based in Islamabad, Pakistan. As the space for freedom of expression around them shrunk, these dreamers decided to create a safe space for the arts. A place that could serve as a hub of civil discourse, where debate could be held, where art could flourish and kids could learn to embrace diversity by tapping into our collective humanity, our love of expression. 



This magical place became known as The Farm, because well, it was a farm. An abandoned poultry farm that we renovated till it gleamed like gold. This space has hosted school children for workshops, international Fulbright scholars and theatre practitioners, local artists who have nowhere else to perform and has become a cultural institution whose effects have spread throughout the city. The Farm has become everything that we ever dreamed of and more, it’s become home for countless people who want to make Islamabad and Pakistan a better place, a more tolerant place, a more colorful place. 



This global pandemic has affected everyone across the board, but performing artists and creative spaces have suffered disproportionately. Without audiences coming to The Farm its very existence is threatened and we are faced not just with the loss of a physical building but a community centre, a refuge. 



We need your help in keeping The Farm alive during this time. It may sound hyperbolic but to us it doesn’t feel like we’re fighting to keep our theatre alive, it feels like a fight for the very soul of a community. Community is too important to give up on, now more than ever. Help The Farm, and in a brighter time under the sun, The Farm will welcome you with open arms.