Ajoka to celebrate 75 Years of Cultural Resilience at Alhamra Eminent artists to read papers & perform.
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Although Pakistan’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations are likely to be overshadowed by the political and economic crisis which the country is currently facing, one of the country’s leading performing arts group, Ajoka Theatre is holding an extraordinary event in Lahore to mark the 75th anniversary milestone, by celebrating the works and struggles of artists and cultural activists against dictatorships, extremism and censorship. Eminent artists, scholars and cultural practitioners will present readings, performances and papers on the story of Pakistan, of struggles, oppression, and survival, through their literature, visual arts, music, dance and theatre.
The participants will include arts scholar Professor Nazish Ata Ullah, progressive singer Taimur Rehman, dance maestro and social activist Sheema Kermani, poet/ scholar Professor Asghar Nadeem Syed, scholar Dr Nasir Abbas Nayyar, Samosa Media producer Anwar Akhtar and playwright/Director Shahid Nadeem. A documentary paying tribute to the heroes of cultural resistance will be screened.
The artists and writers will also reflect on the rise of extremism and challenges of peace building in the region. The event will include a dramatic reading by Shahid Nadeem’s “River of Sorrow”. The event will conclude with poetry readings by eminent poets, dance performance by Sheema Kermani and music by Lal Band.
The event is being organised at Alhamra arts centre, Lahore in collaboration with Lahore Arts Council, Punjab Council of the Arts and Samosa Media UK.
