Written by: Nayha Jehangir Khan
Posted on: May 30, 2022 | 
| 中文
Ajoka Team and the cast of 'Kon Hey Ye Gustakh' with Guests. (Photo Credits to Hammad Razzaq)
Lahore has been a cradle that has nurtured and fostered theatre production as a celebrated art form. Now in its third year running, the "Madeeha Gauhar Theatre Festival" continues to deliver transformative plays for the public, offering free entry and three days of interesting panel talks, seminars and master classes for the youth and adults. Ajoka Theatre and Institute was started by a group of young cultural activists in 1984 led by Madeeha Gauhar, they viewed theatre as an uplifting and strengthening medium that brought together open-minded individuals and created an inclusive community working to change a repressive social and political environment prevalent at the time. Their freedom loving spirit and revolutionary philosophy are the foundations of their practice, focusing on the message that is deeply woven into each piece of writing and acting performance.
Late Madeeha Gauhar with her husband Shahid Nadeem
For this year, they invited experienced directors and actors from across the border, who share Madeeha Gauhars’s love for theatre and hold her memory in great regard. The festival highlighted Ajoka’s contributions to social activism and change, as audiences were invited on the first day to attend the screening of Nirvaan Nadeem’s Bhagat Singh Documentary, followed by the play written by Madeeha Gauhar on the same subject titled “Mera Rang De Basanti Chola'', with the intention of reenacting stories that to this day shape our sense of identity and shared political history. Ajoka productions have toured internationally and have been critically acclaimed over the decades, and have been identified as courageous and inspiring for other theatre groups.
A picture from the play 'Mera Rang De Basanti Chola' (Photo Credits to Hammad Razzaq)
Their unapologetic attitude and rejection of censorship made it possible for upcoming actors, writers and directors to emerge onto the main stage. Ajoka has inspired a generation of creatives as their stories continue to influence TV and Film productions. On the second day of the festival, the “Tribute to a Peace Icon”, panel discussion between Indian guests Neelam Mansingh, Kewal Dhaliwal, Kabir Singh Chowdhry and Sajan Singh was followed by a documentary on Madeeha Gauhar that summarised her life contributions. The evening showcased the play “Anhi Mai Da Sufna”, which is an essential reading into Pakistani identity politics. The play takes folk regional melodies, using them between powerful tableau conversations that aim to document history as it happens to various groups of people.
A photo from the play 'Anhi Mai Da Sufna'
In the past, Ajoka had never backed away from difficult subject matter surrounding socio-economic disparity, violence against marginalised communities and the retelling of stories taken from the revolutionary writings of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Bulleh Shah and Dara Shikoh. Their activism-based theatre promotes independent thinking, empowerment of the people and encouragement of the freedom of speech. Through the lens of various writers, their adaptations capture a picture of suffering and pain that is complex and multilayered. The Ajoka’s theatre group continues to be a home for seasoned and professional actors, even though funding is restricted and street theatre is undervalued by commercial sponsorship.
The festival promises to keep strengthening ties with neighbouring contemporaries acknowledging ancestral bonds and shared heritage. Shahid Nadeem and his son Nirvaan Nadeem continue to celebrate Madeeha Gauhar’s legacy by hosting multiple theatre festivals throughout the year, and offering training programs for young students under their watchful mentorship. Having been awarded numerous accolades for promoting peace throughout their tenure, Ajoka has become a guiding light of triumph in creating solidarity for various South Asian communities. On the third day of the festival, Zareen Salman Panna took the stage to present her dance performance “Pazeeb”, which was inspired by her memories of Madeeha Gauhar. The atmosphere of the Al Hamra Hall was yet again transformed by cheering audiences.
Pazeeb by Zareen Salman Panna
The closing performance was “Kaun Hai Yeh Gustakh”, a play based on the writings of Saadat Hassan Manto that chronicles various short stories pertaining to the creation of Pakistan. Revisiting our history through the lens of performing arts provides a chance to reclaim and redefine ourselves. The visualisations and discussions that are purposefully constructed in the play create important parallels in viewing history as a fluid and evolutionary concept. The message of peace continues to be the driving force of each production as it celebrates the existence of multiplicity and diversity of thought.
A picture from the play 'Kon Hey Ye Gustakh'. (Photo Credits to Hammad Razzaq)
Ajoka Theatre and Institute has kept its doors wide open for over three decades and admission to their performances is completely free of cost, welcoming everyone to witness history, politics and society through a fresh perspective. Performances were attended by a house full of audience members that included men and women of all ages. Their efforts to deliver arts and culture in regional languages, folk music and powerful pieces of writing are a testament to their sincerity and passion for the performing arts in Pakistan.
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