Lahore (Qasim Ali)
Ajoka’s 5-day theatre festival opens today at Alhamra to mark group’s 40th anniversary. The festival includes plays from each of the past four decades and will run from 2-6 May at Alhamra Hall 2. Kicking off the festival is Ajoka’s acclaimed production, “Teesri Dastak,” penned by acclaimed playwright and Ajoka’s Executive Director, Shahid Nadeem. This thought-provoking play carries a powerful message that violence only begets violence, and the suppression of individual expressions does not bring about meaningful change. Set against the backdrop of a dilapidated urban slum, “Teesri Dastak” portrays the resilience of marginalized, who cling to their dreams of a free and just world despite endless betrayals and setbacks. The cast of the play includes Usman Raaj, Mohd Qaiser, Kanwal Khan, Muzamil Shabbir, Madeeha Rasheed, Rai Ali, Rai Kamran, Nasir Mahmood, Anish Khan, Bilal, Faraz and Meesam. During the festival, Ajoka’s talented team will also present iconic plays such as “Bulha”, “Dara,” and “Jaloos.” Each performance promises to not only entertain but also enlighten audiences with themes of peace, tolerance, and religious harmony. The festival is dedicated to Ajoka’s founder director, Madeeha Gauhar, whose 6th anniversary was observed last week. Ajoka team led by Executive Director Shahid Nadeem met the new VC of GC University Professor Dr Shazia Bashir on 30 April to discuss an MOU between Ajoka and GCU. Ajoka also congratulated Professor Shazia on assuming charge as the furst woman VC/ Principal in Govt College’s 160 year old history. The VC appreciated Ajoka’s contribution to performing arts and congratulated it on Ajoka’s 40th anniversary.
