Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Eminent scholars stressed the significance of Punjabi Partition drama on both sides of the border for promoting harmony and peace. They were speaking at a panel discussion, organised by the International Centre for Pakistani Writing in English and the Kinnairds College University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Those who spoke on the occasion included US-based scholar Professor Amritjit Singh, playwright Shahid Nadeem, Jhang University Vice Chancellor Dr Nobila Rahman and Punjabi scholar Ms Satwant Kaur. The discussion revolved around playwright Atamjit’s recently published anthology “Plays from a Fractured Land”, which also includes an English translation of Shahid Nadeem’s “River of Sorrow” ( Dukh Darya). The speakers agreed that the Partition is still an important theme for Punjabi writers and appreciated Atamjit’s contribution towards an understanding of the theme in Punjabi drama.
Dr Waseem Anwar welcomed the panelists and introduced the subject.
The panel discussion was followed by Ajoka Theatre’s performance of a short play “Bulha te Banda”, which presented the dramatic conflict between Sufi poet Bulleh Shah and Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bairagi. The cast included Usman Raj as Bulleh Shah and Usman Zia as Banda Singh while Ali Moon Qawals sang Bulleh Shah’s kalam.
Dr Rukhsana David expressed her deep appreciation of the Ajoka performance and the panelists for an enlightening discussion. She also presented souvenirs to the guest speakers.The audience included Kinnairds faculty members, students and scholars. Ajoka’s next performance is a social play “Jhalli”. Art of Acting students of Ajoka Institute will perform “Jhalli” at PILAC 7:00 p.m. tomorrow Saturday 29 Oct, 2022.
