Ajoka theatre group completes four decades

Panellists highlight thespian resistance to authoritarianism, extremism

LAHORE:

The Ajoka group organised a panel discussion on theatre of resistance as the first event of its 40th anniversary.

The panelists in the event organsied as part of the Thinkfest were Professor Shaista Sirajud Din, playwright Shahid Nadeem, author Syed Qasim Ali Shah, poet Dr Sughra Sadaf and Punjab University Professor Ahmad Bilal.

Professor Shaista Sirajud Din said Ajoka is like oxygen in a society suffocated by extremism and censorship.

Qasim Ali Shah said Ajoka was a role model for Pakistani youth. He said drama with its emotional and social appeal has a bright future.

Dr Sughra Sadaf paid tribute to Ajoka founders. She said ‘Bulha’ and Ajoka's other plays on Sufi themes have introduced a new kind of indigenous theatre.

Read: Ajoka pupils showcase human emotions

Professor Bilal said Ajoka has inspired new generations of socially engaged young theatre workers. He said Shahid Nadeem's film ‘Manto’ was one of the first popular and meaningful films of the digital age Pakistani cinema.

Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem gave an overview of the group’s four decades and stressed that its success was due to the dedication of its members and its flexibility in overcoming the challenges of authoritative regimes and extremism.

Singers from the group presented songs and a video on four decades of Ajoka was also screened.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2024.