Ajoka Theatre’s acclaimed play “Lo Phir Basant Ayee” was performed before a jam-packed audience at Alhamra Hall 2 on Friday, as audiences celebrated the return of Lahore’s vibrant Basant festival. This was a special performance, held in collaboration with Lahore Arts Council, to welcome the unbanning of the kite flying festival. Written by eminent playwright Shahid Nadeem, the play beautifully showcased Punjab’s rich culture, filling the evening with colour, joy, and timeless cultural traditions.
Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Nawaz Gondal was the Chief Guest. The performance was attended by veteran actors Khalid Abass Dar, Khalid Mueen Butt, writer and scholar Feryal Ali Gauhar, Third World Solidarity UK Founder Mushtaq Lashari and senior drama teacher Ms Perin Boga. Head of the Pakistan Kite-flyers Association, Aqeel Malik, was also among the guests. Earlier in the day, Ajoka held a kite- making and kite decoration workshop in Hall 2 Foyer. led by Eisha tur razia, young participants made kites and then decorated them under the guidance of kite master Ustad Moazzam and artist Eish tur Razia. the colourful kites were then displayed in Hall 2. Lahore Arts Council chairperson, accompanied by Executive Director Nawaz Gondal, inaugurated the workshop and appreciated the creativity of young participants. Arts students of Alhamra Performing Arts Academy also joined the workshop and painted beautiful kites.
Shahid Nadeem, writer of the play and Ajoka Theatre’s Executive Director, remarked, “Basant is about joy, community, and togetherness. Through ‘Lo Phir Basant Ayee’ and the kite-making workshop, we have tried to revive the spirit of Lahore’s culture and bring people together.”
