Despite the ever-growing extremism and seemingly never-ending tensions between India and Pakistan, theatre can play a significant role in strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries.
This was stated by prominent playwright and head of Ajoka Theatre, Shahid Nadeem at a talk arranged by THAAP cultural organisation on Friday, December 24. The topic of the talk was “Theatre for Peace: Is it still possible?”
Shahid Nadeem spoke about Ajoka’s contribution to peace-building in the region through theatre and emphasised that arts-based initiatives can bypass political or communal blocks and strengthen the desire for peace and goodwill. He added that Ajoka has always received a warm response from Indian audiences everywhere, even after Narendra Modi swept to power based on anti-Pakistan Hindutva ideology. He said the challenges for a theatre for peace have multiplied in recent years due to growing extremism but the artists from either side are determined to carry the torch of peace and humanism till their goals are achieved. He also answered questions from the audience.
Following the discussion, a documentary on Ajoka’s work for peace was also screened.
The talk was held at THAAP Head Office in Gulberg, Lahore and was attended by eminent intellectuals and cultural activists including ex-NCA Principal Sajida Vandal, architects Pervez Vandal and Khawar Hassan, ex-HEC Chairman Dr Nizam Ud Din, drama teacher Ms Perin Boga, Ajoka General Secretary Sohail Warraich, Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem, and publisher Amjad Saleem Minhas.
Photos provided by Qasim Ali
