LAHORE: Ajoka Theatre’s play “Uddan Haaray” is set to premiere at the National History Museum on March 18.
The play, written and directed by Shahid Nadeem, and developed from testimonies collected and archived by the Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP), will be premiered at the National History Museum’s open-air arena in Greater Iqbal Park, where the Pakistan Resolution was passed.
The play revisits the wounds and traumas of the events from 75 years ago and promotes the ideals of peace and humanism. The play reveals the untold stories of Partition, which occurred in Punjab and led to the infamous massacre. The story of young Akhlaq and his friend Haleema is interwoven with the enduring love of two pigeons, Raja and Rani. It is not just a tale of hate and violence but also of noble human values like hope, peace, and humanity.
Shahid Nadeem said that Ajoka has dedicated this play to those brave survivors who fought for our freedom and those who fell victim during the struggle. He praised the CAP for collaborating with Ajoka on such a meaningful project. As with most Ajoka plays, this play also includes enchanting songs and dance to keep the audience engaged, despite its grim subject.
The title “Uddan Haaray” is taken from the famous verse of the great Sufi poet, Hazrat Sultan Bahu. The cast of the play includes Ajoka veterans Naseem Abbas, Sarfraz Ansari, Usman Zia, Qaiser Khan, Rabil Butt, Fizza Jamal, Razia Malik, Anish Khan, Yusra Irfan, Nyle Imtiaz, Umar Bhatti, Shahzad Sadiq, Fizza Tirmizi, Nasir Mehmood, Kanwal Khan, Samawia Zaman, Azka Latif, Husnain, Nauman and Mian Meesam. Dancers include Luke Calvin, Samawia, Meesam, Nauman, Imran, and Nadeem.
The play features the powerful poetry of saint Sultan Bahu, extracts from “Kabootar Nama” by Rais Miyaan Qawal and some situational songs by Shahid Nadeem. Singers include Naseem Abbas, Sarfraz Ansari, Anika Malik, Kanwal Christopher and Thomas Yousaf.
“Uddan Haaray” will have two exclusive performances at Alhamra Hall 2 on March 20 and 21.
transferred: The Executive Director of Lahore Arts Council Nazia Jabeen on Wednesday transferred the employees found absent from their place of duty during a visit to the Alhamra Cultural Complex, Gaddafi Stadium.
The officers present during her visit, gave a detailed briefing to the executive director about the performance and issues of the cultural complex.
Ms Jabeen ordered installation of biometric system for employees attendance and to expediting the complex’s renovation and repairs of the halls.
She also ordered holding of painting competitions and other such activities involving the youth at the cultural complex.
Ms Jabeen said more programmes should be organised in the cultural complex to promote arts and culture.
Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2023
