Lahore (Qasim Ali)
Students of Ajoka Alhamra Theatre Workshop gave an enthralling performance of their play “Oonth Patang” on Sunday, October 6th, at Alhamra Hall 2. This was a special performance of the play due to public demand after the successful premiere on Tuesday. The event was a resounding success, receiving thunderous applause from an enthusiastic capacity crowd, including a Chinese led by theatre scholar Yu Hao Hara. “Oonth Patang” is a thought-provoking play created by students of the Alhamra Ajoka Theatre Workshop, inspired by a tragic incident where a landlord ordered the brutal punishment of a camel for trespassing. The narrative follows Sassi, the camel, as she seeks justice against the vicious wadera, intertwining her journey with the legendary tale of Sassi Punoon. Set in the rich cultural landscape of South Punjab, the production features vibrant folk dances and Sufi poetry, making it both entertaining and meaningful. A standout highlight was a large camel puppet, skillfully developed by students Dildar Mustafa and Eisha tul Zahra. The play was directed by Ajoka’s Naseem Abbas Shahid Nadeem, Executive Director of Ajoka, commended the students for their impressive debut performances.