The team of Ajoka theatre is all set to taking its two acclaimed Sufi plays “Kabira khara bazaar main” and “Bullah” to interior cities of the Sindh.
These plays are being presented in collaboration with the Sindh ministry of tourism, culture and antiques and Danish cultural and development organisation CKU.
Ajoka theatre’s four-day tour will kick start with the performance of “Kabira khara bazaar main” in Sindh Museum auditorium Hyderabad on 21st December. Ajoka team will present two back to back shows on the same day and “Bullah” will be performed at the same venue on an upcoming day, whereas on the 23rd December Ajoka team will travel Larkana for a special show of “Bullah” which will be staged in open air auditorium of the Larkana Arts council.
-Bullah-
The play pays tribute to the mystic saint Bulleh Shah and is based broadly on the events of his life, as depicted in his poetry, historical records and popular myths. Bulleh Shah’s search for truth, opposition to war and devotion to his mentor Shah Inayat serve as important scenes of the play.
-Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein-
Ajoka’s new play ‘Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein’ directed by Kewal Dhaliwal and written by Bhisham Sahni is about tolerance.
It tells the story of Kabir, a Sufi and a poet, known for his role in the Bhakti movement. This movement opposed the Hindu caste system and held that love and compassion were the essence of all worship. It later influenced several Sufi saints, including Bulleh Shah.
Kabir, raised in a low-income Muslim family, worked as a weaver. Kabir’s profession was depicted on the set through saris from Amritsar placed in tent-like shapes.
Kabir challenged teachings of religious leaders from both the Muslim and Hindu but he became quite popular among the people. The question of religious practice is raised multiple times in the play. The common people hear propaganda against Kabir and question whether he is a Hindu or a Muslim. At the same time, Kabir questions religious practices which benefit a certain class. His confrontations with clerics were a hit with the audience.
The theme of the play is the teaching of universal brotherhood. There are live music and dancing on Kabir’s poetry.
Kabir’s poetry is sung at several shrines in Sindh.