Founded in 1984 by Madeeha Gauhar, the late TV and theatre artiste and human rights activist, Ajoka presents meaningful plays addressing poignant social issues. It has become a brand name for Pakistani theatre, locally and globally.
Ajoka has highlighted sensitive subjects such as human rights, gender equality, peace, family planning, the environment, political oppression, and religious extremism.
The Ajoka International Theatre Festival started on November 9th and continued until November 17th. Eleven foreign countries, including the US, the UK, Italy, India, Spain, Switzerland, Indonesia, and China, performed at the festival.
Dara, staged on the opening day, was a play about the Mughal Empire. It was about Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s two sons, Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh. Aurangzeb was an orthodox religious fanatic, while Dara was liberal and a Sufi. The struggle for power between the two led to a tragedy in which Dara lost the case with Aurangzeb and was executed.
Maharani Jinda, too, was a historical play. A Sikh play, it was directed by a team from Amritsar. With excellent Punjabi dialogue delivery, colourful costumes, and a minimalistic setting, the characters had a powerful and influential effect on the audience. Despite its long duration, it was a great play that kept the viewer engaged.
Who is Manto? Everyone knows Manto, a renowned writer executed for his bold writings.
Manto Mera Dost was a dialogue between Ismat Chugtai (Sheema Kermani) and Manto (Imran Khan). Directed by Anwer Jafferi, the play offered an insight into women’s empowerment, the power of true love, and the Pakistan/India freedom struggle. Manto declared the law of attraction between opposite genders natural, portraying the bitter reality of mundane life with a sour taste.
Ajoka Theatre was held after a long hiatus, spreading a frenzy among the youth and adults alike. People thronged Alhambra with unparalleled excitement and enthusiasm. Pakistan needs such cultural activities to spread awareness and information to the youth.
A theatre workshop titled ‘Theatre as Dosti’ was held on November 15th. Among the panellists were Sheema Kermani, Pablo from Spain, and representatives from China, Indonesia, and India.
Monica from the USA introduced the concept of living theatre. It discussed women’s empowerment, drugs, and other social ills. Signals, a mime from the USA, tackled the issue of feminism with unmatched beauty and perfection. Despite the minimal dialogue, the performance touched the spectators’ hearts, and the play held the viewer’s attention for the entire play.
The issues of sexual harassment on public transport and its significance cannot be ignored, and domestic violence is put forward engagingly and bluntly. In conclusion, although theatre is dying, its significance cannot be ignored. Ajoka has played a vital role in reviving theatre 
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