The Alhamra Art Gallery on The Mall was a venue of high activity on Tuesday when an exhibition of the works of veteran and young artists from Saarc countries was inaugurated under the title of “Old Masters Young Voices” by Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi.

The exhibition displayed the works of artists from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Before the exhibition could be officially announced open, it was marred by a fracas between Rashida Reza, wife of Reza Kazim an art patron, and the officials of the Alhamra Arts Council.

The Rafi Peer Theatre’s 10-day world performing arts festival, 2004, is being held at the Alhamra Cultural Complex from Nov 27.

As many as 600 artistes of over 33 countries, including India, will perform in various disciplines of performing arts like dance, theatre, music and puppetry.

Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi will inaugurate the festival. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will attend its premier show on Nov 26, a day ahead of its formal launch.

Rafi Peer Theatre directors Faizan Peerzada and Usman Peerzada told newsmen here at the Lahore Press Club on Friday that it was one of the biggest festivals in South Asia.