PHOTO: PUBLICITY
Ajoka theatre hosts memorial for Madeeha Gauhar
Titled 'Madeeha Gauhar Retrospect', the showcase was held yesterday and displayed unique and memorable photos of late Madeeha Gauhar's four-decade long career as a prominent theatre activist. Celebrities belonging to different walks of life graced the evening, paying their tribute to the theatre icon.
The exhibition was inaugurated by renowned journalist and human rights activist Hussain Naqi and Lahore Arts Council executive director Captain (R) Atta Muhammad. Professors Sajida Vandal, Fauzia Afzal Khan, Shaista Sirajud Din, Ruksana David along with Pervez Vandal and chairperson National Commission on Status of Women Khawar Mumtaz were also in attendance.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYPictures of Gauhar's school, college and family life were put up at the exhibition. A collection of traditional craft, awards and accolades, and dresses worn by the late activist were also presented as the audience showed great interest in the items.
For the opening ceremony, a short documentary highlighting the personal and professional facets of Gauhar’s life was screened. Her husband and Ajoka’s executive director Shahid Mehmood Nadeem welcomed the guests and dedicated the festival to Gauhar, who left behind a rich and vast legacy of socially meaningful theatre and art-based peace-building.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYDuring her life, Gauhar inspired countless theatre activists and peace campaigners throughout Pakistan and beyond. Nadeem added that she had directed and produced over 50 original plays in the span of her career, which celebrated the country's rich cultural heritage and addressed sensitive subjects with courage. Her plays also represented the different techniques of direction ranging from folk-based storytelling to sufi theatre and social satire.
After the exhibition, famous flautist Akmal Qadri paid homage to Gauhar with his soulful performance. Later, the Ajoka team presented their play Kala Meda Bhes which was based on a real life incident that occurred in Sindh a few years ago, wherein a woman was traded for an ox. Penned by Nadeem himself, Kala Meda Bhes is set in a small village of the Cholistan desert where drinking water is scarce and a powerful peer (spiritual leader) controls the only well.
PHOTO: PUBLICITYThe play was not just a tale of woe and misery but also a tribute to the resilience and determination of the common people. It was presented in a colourful and entertaining style of the Swaang theatre - the most ancient form of the art in Punjab. Kala Meda Bhes also celebrated the dynamic culture of south Punjab with dazzling costumes and delightful songs.
Bilawal Bhutto visits late actor Madeeha Gohar's home to pay condolences to her family
The festival is being organised in collaboration with Lahore Arts Council and will continue till September 29. The Ajoka team will present their cultural play Lo Phir Basant Ayee today.
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