Islamabad : Pakistan National Council of Arts is holding a 3-day Theatre Festival to mark Ajoka Theatre’s 40th anniversary. The festival open with “Teesri Dastak”, one of Shahid Nadeem’s earlier plays, revolving around the story of residents of a rundown tenement who face imminent eviction and find an extraordinary and violent solution to ensure survival and leading to bizarre consequences. The actors and actresses perform very well, “Teesri Dastak” the first day drama festival, the audiences enjoyed alot.
On the second day,
Ajoka’s iconic play “Bulha” will be presented. Based on the uplifting and dramatic story of Sufia poet Bulleh Shah, the play has been widely performed in Pakistan, India, Iran, UK, USA and Denmark and has been lauded as a significant example of Sufi Theatre.
Shahid Nadeem’s international masterpiece “Dara” will be presented on the final day of the festival. Based on the amazingly dramatic story of the conflict between Princes Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb, the play was adapted in English by the prestigious National Theatre London and was declared as ” play of the decade” by English press. The play has also been performed in India and USA.
In May, Ajoka held a 5- day theatre festival in Lahore as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations which will conclude in November with an 8- day international theatre festival in Lahore.
Shahid Nadeem, Ajoka’s Executive Director and playwright of all three plays, thanked PNCA’s Director General and his team for hosting the festival and recognising Ajoka’s four decades of sustained contribution to the cause of theatre for social change.