“Uddan Haaray” reveals untold stories of the partition.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Ajoka theatre’s new play “Uddan Haaray” enthralled the audiences at Alhamra Hall 2 last evening.

Written and directed by Ajoka’s executive director Shahid Nadeem, who developed this play from oral history interviews recorded by the National History Museum.

Shahid Nadeem, in his opening remarks, said “Uddan Haaray” is not just a tale of hate and violence but also of noble human values of hope, peace and humanity. It reflects the pain and anguish of the people who migrated across the border during the 1947 riots.

Lahore Arts Council Chairman Syed Qasim Ali Shah was the Chief Guest on Monday. In his speech at the end, he congratulated Ajoka for a perfect theatrical performance and for its leading role in keeping socially meaningful theatre alive. He also paid tribute to Shahid Nadeem for his lifelong conteubution to theatre. attended the performance on Monday

The play was performed in front of an appreciative audience by Ajoka’s talented team which included theatre senior artist such as Naseem Abbas, Sarfraz Ansari , Razia Malik, Qaisar Khan, Shehzad Sadiq, Usman Zia, Omar Bhatti and Kanwal Khan. Other cast included Rabil Butt , Fizza Jamal, Yusra Irfan, Luke Kelvin, Nyle Imtiaz, Rai Ali, Fizza Tirmazi and Anish Khan. Singers included Kanwal Christopher and Anika Malik.

The play revealed the story of young Akhlaq and his friend Haleema which was interwoven with the enduring love of two pigeons, Raja and Rani. With this story in the backdrop the play revisits the wounds and traumas of the events from 75 years ago which took place in a princely state of East Punjab and other parts of sub continent.

Earlier, Ajoka premiered the play on Saturday at the Open-air space at National History Museum in Greater Iqbal Park, on the site where the Pakistan Resolution was passed.

The play was presented in collaboration with Citizens Archive Pakistan and Lahore Arts Council.