DAY.1

Lahore, 7th May, 2024
Commences with a striking political drama
Ajoka Theatre’s 5 day theatre extravaganza commenced with a striking performance of Shahid Nadeem's splay “Teesri Dastak”, a play About class struggle with political undertones. The fully packed Alhamra Hall 2 included theatre enthusiasts, activists, and students who were captivated by the dramatic plot and stellar performances.
The festival opening ceremony included a dance performance by legendary dancer Zareen Panna and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Lamps were lit by Ms Panna, Ajoka chairperson Zara Salman, Executive Director Shahid Nadeem, General Secretary Sohail Warraich, veteran actor Naseem Abass, representing actors and Qaiser Hussain, representing the loyal Ajoka audience.
"Teesri Dastak", is one of Shahid Nadeem's early plays, poignantly explores themes of social awareness against the backdrop of Pakistan's enduring socio-political landscape.
The narrative unfolds in a dilapidated urban slum, portraying the resilience of the marginalized who steadfastly cling to their dreams of a just society despite facing repeated hardships and betrayals. The play underscores the urgent need for a system change rather than violent targeting of individual dictators.
Reflecting on Ajoka's four-decade journey, Executive Director Shahid Nadeem expressed pride in the theater company's achievements, remarking that Ajoka has redefined the standards of drama writing, thematic performances, and high quality productions and put Pakistan firmly on the world theatre map.
The festival was and supported by the Lahore Arts Council and Babar Ali Foundation.
DAY.2
Ajoka’s play ‘Bulha’ captivates audience
Ajoka Theatre Festival entered second day with a powerful and spiritually uplifting performance of its iconic play “Bulha” before a wildly enthusiastic jam-packed audience at Alhamra Hall 2.
Shahid Nadeem’s Bulha, being continuously performed since 2001, achieving a cult status, and has been performed all over the world including India, Iran, UK and Demark to great critical acclaim. The play is based on historical records and Bulleh Shah’s own poetry, reinforced by live Qawwali singing.
The story of the great Sufi poet is then related in flash-backs highlighting his relationship with his Sufi master Shah Inayat and dancing girl-turned follower Muradi. A dramatic sequence in the play is Bulleh Shah’s encounter with the fierce Sikh warlord Banda Singh Beragi and a debate on whether tyranny should be fought with violent means or through a message of peace and love. The play was repeated applauded by an appreciative audience and received standing ovation at the end. The role of Bulleh Shah was played by veteran Ajoka actor Naseem Abbas while Rai Kamran played Shah Inayat.
TV and stage actor Usman Raaj and Muzammil Shabbir played the religious judges. Kanwal Khan was impressive as Muradi Begum and Kamran Mujahid and Mohammad Qaiser effectively portrayed Bulleh Shah’s devotees and narrators, Sona and Chandi. The play was directed by Ajoka founder (late) Madeeha Gauhar. The Qawwalis were specially composed by the famous composer (late) Mian Sheharyar and were sung by Khawar Ali party and Kanwal Christopher.
Set and lights were ably handled by Nadeem Mir while Ajoka veteran Sohail Warraich was the production manager.

DAY.3
“JALOOS” marches on
On the third day of the festival Ajoka’s first ever play “Jaloos” was performed in the lawn of the Alhamra Arts Centre. Adapted from Badal Sircar’s Bengali play, “Jaloos” is an experimental play, creatively and powerfully narrating the story of exploitation and manipulation of the oppressed

DAY.4-5
Ajoka's 5- day theatre festival came to an inspiring conclusion with a stirring performance of "Dara" and a joyful closing ceremony.
Ajoka members and supporters released 40 colourful balloons and sparkling confetti to mark the 40th anniversary of the group. The event ended with the crowds dancing Bhangra and dhamal on the beat of dhol and nagara. The closing performance was attended by the Lahore Arts Council Chairperson Razi Ahmad and the newly-appointed Executive Director Ms Saira Rashid. Both expressed their appreciations of Ajoka's contribution to socially meaningful theatre and the successes and very well attended theatre festival.