A two-day theatre arranged by Ajoka theatre to mark its 33rd anniversary at Alhamra Hall Mall road proved an enormous success.
Ajoka team performed “Bala King” on inaugural day which enthralled the audience completely.
“Bala King” written by Shahid Nadeem is a Punjabi adaptation of Bertlot Brecht’s play “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui”. Written in 1941, “Arturo Ui” is savage and witty parable of the rise of fascism and Hitler in Germany, in which his story is recast in terms of a small time gangster’s take-over of the city’s greengrocer trade. In Bala King ,the story traces the rise of a Lahori petty criminal gang to political prominence. It is a strong indictment of the use of bribe and intimidation in politics.
The play is being directed by Ajoka’s artistic director Madeeha Gohar who said that the govt should actively support the performing arts groups for production of mass awareness content. She said that it is necessary to engage youth in constructive activities so that their mindset remains focused on positive aspects. For elimination of fundamentalist thinking and approach from the society, authorities should take cultural groups on board for socially relevant and meaningful productions.
Ajoka team will perform “Anhi Maai Da Sufna” today which is based on some true stories of the generation dislocated during the partition of 1947. It highlights the shattered dreams of two old humans who have unprecedented love for their homeland. The play is being presented as part of Ajoka’s activities linked to the 70th anniversary of the partition.
The two-day festival has been organised with reference to Ajoka’s 33rd anniversary. Ajoka started its journey 33 years ago on May 1984 during General Zia ul Haq’s military rule, from a house lawn with a small group of cultural activists.
