Ajoka Theatre marked its 40th anniversary with a thought-provoking panel discussion on 'Theatre of Resistance'.
The event was held as part of the Thinkfest festival held at Alhamra, Lahore. The panelists included scholar Professor Shaista Siraj ud Din, playwright Shahid Nadeem, author and ex-chairperson Arts Council, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, poet and ex-DG PILAC Dr Sughra Sadaf and Punjab University Professor and theatre practitioner Ahmad Bilal. Ajoka's Chairperson Zara Salman was the moderator.
Ajoka's General Secretary Sohail Warraich, introducing the theme, said Ajoka has led the movement for freedom of cultural expression during oppressive regimes with its innovative and bold plays. Professor Shaista said Ajoka is like oxygen in a society suffocated by extremism and censorship. Syed 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 the contribution of Ajoka founders (late). sha said "Bulha" and Ajoka's other plays on Sufi themes such as "Bulha, have introduced a new kind of indigenous theatre. Professor Ahmed 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 Ajoka'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.
Ajoka singers presented Ajoka songs at the end. A video report on four decades of Ajoka was also screened.
