Ajoka theatre group to perform at Epicentre in Gurgaon

Gurgaonwallahs will finally see a performance by Pakistani theatre group, Ajoka, after National School of Drama (NSD) cancelled performances of Pakistani plays by NAPA Repertory Theatre and Ajoka Theatre in January 2013 in Delhi. The theatre group from Lahore will enact popular Punjabi play Bullha – a play based on the life and struggles of the ‘mystic’ Bulleh Shah at Epicentre at end of this month.
Pakistani filmmaker and director of the play, Madeeha Gauhar, told us, “Many believed that we will never make it to India, but God has been kind and we'll be performing in Gurgaon soon. This will be our first visit to Gurgaon and we are looking forward to explore the city.”
She adds, “It’s a double celebration for us as our theatre group will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. We have performed this play in Delhi several times to packed halls, so we are expecting a packed audience in Gurgaon too.”
Talking about the NSD ban controversy, Madeeha said, “It’s sad that we haven’t been able to visit India for the last two years due to the controversy. The ban has not been lifted, so we are going to Gurgaon on a personal invitation. Though we have been sending our applications to NSD, they haven’t selected us for the festival. So far we haven’t heard anything from NSD officials. I have a feeling that Pakistani plays are strongly being discouraged to come to India. It’s strange that on one hand there are Pakistani TV serials being screened in India that are being appreciated by the Indian audience, Pakistani theater groups are being banned. It’s disheatening to see that art and culture has also come under political attack for no reason.”