The Pakistani Student Association integrates the traditional Pakistani culture with a modern twist in their fourth annual Pak to the Future variety show Sunday.
Finance sophomore and PSA President Omair Mirza said the show is a great way to show what Pakistani children raised in the U.S. are capable of doing.
‘Our generation is different from our parents. They have struggled to come here and establish a life for their families,’ Mirza said. ‘This is a way for us to show the older generation, ‘Here we are, and watch us as we make a name for ourselves in this country.”
The PSA chose the name ‘Pak to the Future’ because it represents what the students and the show stands for: American raised or born Pakistani children balancing American and Pakistani cultures, Mirza said.
‘ ‘(The show) is a way for us to show the community how we have balanced both cultures and to show that we still keep our Pakistani traditions alive even if we aren’t born or raised in that country,’ Mirza said.
Performances consist of students from UH as well as Pakistani students from surrounding colleges in Houston.
The PSA will also screen Dhor, a short film that parodies Bollywood film style.’
‘Dhor is about a guy who is a Don, a gangster mafia head, and a comedy that is a satire of Bollywood movies,’ Mirza said. ‘Last year, we had a film as well, and everyone loved it.’
Lazeeza Restaurant will cater the variety show with Pakistani appetizers.
‘ ‘We will have a variety of things that people can try and enjoy. Having the food just adds to what the culture is about,’ Mirza said.
Mirza said the show is something the Houston Pakistani community looks forward all year to attend and participate.
‘This show is made for children, college students, their parents, and even their grandparents. We make sure this is a family event that everyone can attend and enjoy,’ Mirza said. ‘In the past, we had about 1,500 people show up.’
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at the Cullen Performance Hall, and general admission tickets are $7. The first 500 people will receive free T-shirts, glow sticks and Pakistani flags. More information about the event can be found at http://www.paktothefuture.com.’
