Ajoka Honors Its Founder with Luminous Tribute (International English Edition)

Pakistan, April 29 -- Ajoka Theatre commemorated the 7th death anniversary of its visionary founder and iconic theatre personality, Madeeha Gauhar, with a deeply moving and artistically rich tribute event at Alhamra Hall 3.

The programme brought together family, colleagues, artists, and admirers to celebrate her remarkable contributions to socially relevant theatre in Pakistan.

The night commenced with a fresh Ajoka music video titled "Jeevay Ajoka," establishing an atmosphere geared towards honoring perseverance and ingenuity. This was succeeded by a moving violin recital performed by Nirvaan Nadeem, Madeeha’s offspring, along with Muhammad Aslam and his gifted seven-year-old grandson Hasan, epitomizing the graceful passing down of artistic heritage through time.

During an emotional family segment, Madeeha's younger son Sarang Nadeem, along with his nieces Neha Ali Gauhar and Arzoo Gauhar, sister Faryal Gauhar, older son Nirvaan Nadeem, and her husband Shahid Nadeem, shared touching recollections and tributes about Madeeha. They remembered her as a bold artist, a devoted mother, and a relentless champion for justice, human rights, and theater activism. Noted educator Perin Boga also delivered a laudatory homage to Madeeha Gauhar’s bravery and significant impact on the world of performance arts.

Veteran theater performer Naseem Abass and her gifted daughter Anika Malik shared some of Madeeha’s beloved verses by poets Bulleh Shah and Faiz. They were succeeded by an energetic dance routine themed around Basant, executed by Luke Kelvin.

Readings from Madeeha's works were presented by Fizza Jamal, Naseem Abbas, and Arsalan Nasir. Among the speakers were poet-playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed, publisher-activist Farrukh Sohail Goindi, Ajoka chairman Zara Salman, and General Secretary Sohail Warraich.

The night ended with the unveiling of a new documentary about Ajoka Theatre, directed by Ghayas Naseer, highlighting the ensemble’s remarkable forty-year odyssey. This film acted as an impactful conclusion to a tribute that celebrated more than just someone's legacy; it honored the movement they established.

Ajoka continues to uphold Madeeha Gauhar's legacy by championing her vision of a fair, all-embracing, and socially aware community via the profound impact of theater. The group will showcase their latest production, "Lawrence in Lahore," at Alhamra Hall 2 from May 9-10.