LAHORE: Ajoka Theatre staged extracts from its iconic play ‘Bullah’ at the Lahore Fort for an event organised by the Pakistan-US Alumni Network (PUAN).

Performed at the recently restored picturesque Shahi Kitchen, the play received a warm response for its message of peace.

Written by Ajoka’s Executive Director Shahid Nadeem, the play extracts depicted the dramatic confrontation between Baba Bulleh Shah and Sardar Banda Singh Bahadur who both responded to the tyranny of the Mughal rulers but their approach was conflicting. It was a strong indictment of intolerance and violence.

Actors Usman Raj and Usman Zia played the characters of Bulha and Banda Singh, respectively whereas Luka Kalvin, Suneel Inayat, Kashif Jan, Khalid, Rai Kamran Ali and Sohail performed their roles efficiently. Ali Moon Group performed Qawwalis and Sufi numbers, which mesmerised the audience, including retired Justice Nasira Javed Iqbal, Kamran Lashari, Nighat Chaudhry, Ustad Rafaqat Ali and the US consul general in Lahore.

Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan thanked PUAN for organising a meaningful event, saying that Ajoka would continue spreading its message of peace and enlightenment through theatre.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2022