Lahore (Qasim Ali)
9th Lyallpur Literary Festival in Faisalabad ended on a high note with a stellar performance by Ajoka Theatre of their acclaimed play ” Bulha”. The play on the life and struggle of Bulleh Shah had live qawwali and mystical dancing and received a prolonged standing ovation. Ajoka Executive Director , speaking on the occasion, talked about the spiritual experience of performing “Bulha” all over the world and spreading the message of peace and goodwill. He mentioned that while Ajoka is performing in Faisalabad, an Indian theatre group is performing its play in Udaipur, India. “This was the second time this has happened”, recently when the play was performed on the opening day of Faiz Festival on 9 February, Indian group Manch Rangmanch performed the play at the same time in ancient city of Ujjain.
Members of the audience, while appreciating Ajoka’s plays at the festival, urged authorities and affluent sections of society to encourage socially meaningful theatre in the city so that the negative impact of the so-called commercial theatre can be countered.
The cast of the play included Naseem Abbas, Usman Raj, Kamran Mujahid, Mohammad Qaiser, Muzammal Shabeer and Kanwal Khan. Khawar Qawwal party entertained the audience with their qawwalis before the play.
