Lahore Arts Council Chairperson Mr Razi Ahmad has expressed hope that Alhamra Performing Arts Academy will developed a fully-fleged performing arts institution with the support of private-sector organizations such as Ajoka Theatre. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Alhamra-Ajoka Theatre workshop which began on 16 July.
The guests at the ceremony included Mr Touqueer Hussain Kazmi, Executive Director Lahore Arts Council, Ms Zara Salman, Chairperson Ajoka, veteran dancer Ms Zarin Panna and Dr Muzaffar Abbas, director Idara-i-Saqafat-i-Islamia.
Ajoka Executive Director. Mr Shahid Nadeem talked about the objectives of the workshop. Lead Trainer Mr Naseem Abbas spoke about the success of the first Alhamra-Ajoka workshop and praised Lahore Arts Council for supporting this landmark project. A video report of the first theatre workshop and subsequent students’ production was also shown.
Also present were Alhamra Performing Arts representative Ms Naveen Roma and other trainers including veteran actor Mr Usman Zia.
Later, an introductory session was held with the new participants. The two- month long workshop will include interactive sessions covering the theatre-making process starting with script development and concluding with a new public performance.
