The Ajoka Theater has unveiled its first play of the year “Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein” which is based on the life and works of the mystic poet Kabir who was a representative of the Bhagti Movement.
The sufi poet advocated spirituality through his verses and was vehemently opposed by Mullahs and Pandits of the time. Known more popularly as Bhagat Kabir in the sub-continent, he was born in a Muslim family of weavers and strongly criticised the caste system, which prevailed at the time.
The play commences with a chorus of singers singing the verses of Kabir, being accompanied by musical instruments which were in use in the 15th century. The stage was beautifully decorated with Saris brought from Amritsar depicting an aspect of Kabir’s life, as he was a weaver by profession.
The play depicted Kabir starting to sing his verses, while Mullahs and Pandits of the time mounted their opposition. Kabir’s growing following by the common people was a threat for the Mullahs and Pandits who were using mosques and temples for their own benefit. Kabir’s revolutionary bent is depicted in one scene of the play which shows a beggar who was singing the verses of Kabir being sentenced to be lashed, but dying during the punishment. The scene received a generous applause by the audience.
Kabir was taken to the court of Sultan Sikandar Lodhi and both Mullahs and Pandits were unable to prove the allegations which were being leveled against him. Sikandar Lodhi announced a punishment for the Mullahs and Pandits as they had leveled false allegations, but Kabir requested the Sultan to pardon them. The mystic poet became extremely popular both among the Muslims and the Hindus during the last days of his life. A debate between the followers of both religions erupted when Kabir died as Muslims wanted to bury him while Hindus wanted to build Kabir’s temple. Surprisingly, the dead body of Kabir disappeared and all they were able to find were some flowers instead of the body.
The play was directed by Kewal Dhaliwal who runs a theater company in Amritsar and was present at the play’s premier. He remained in Lahore for a month and gave direction to the Ajoka team. He said on the occasion that artists from both countries could play an important role in eliminating the geographical distances as the Ajoka Theatre had presented its play “Bullah” in India as well. The play was written by a great Hindi writer Bhisham Sahni in 1981 and has been widely performed in India. The writer of the play was a graduate of Government College Lahore. Sahni won the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 1998.
Ajoka Theater Executive Director Shahid Nadeem said on the occasion that the play was a tribute to the noted writer Bhisham Sahni as well because his centenary celebrations were being marked in India this year.
Ajoka is presenting the play in collaboration with Lahore Arts Council.
