By our correspondent
Lahore
According to the sources of Daily Notable, Ajoka presented it’s internationally acclaimed play ” Bulha” on Saturday 26 August to a thunderous applause at a jam-packed Alhamra Hall 1. The special performance marked the end of the Urs celebrations of Baba Bulleh Shah.
Written by Shahid Nadeem and originally directed by late Madeeha Gauhar, the play narrates the story of Bulleh Shah’s journey as a Sufi poet and his persecution by the clerics and rulers of Kasur. The narrative was supported to great effect by live qawwali and dhamal dancing.
The spiritually inspiring role of Bulleh Shah was played by Naseem Abbas. Rai Kamran played Bulleh Shah’s Murshad, Shah Inayat while Sibte Hassan was his arch rival Banda Singh. Kamran Mujahid and Mohammed Qaiser were the narrators and Nayab Faiza played dancing women Muradi, who later became Bulleh Shah’s disciple.
Other cast included Muzammil Shabir, Usman Chaudhry, Bilal Mughal, Shehzad Sadiq, Luke Kelvin, Thomas, Meesam, Kashif, and Rai Ali. Kanwal Christopher and Khawar Ali qawwal party sang Bulleh Shah’s kalam with gusto and vigour. The sensitive lighting by Nadeem Mir added to the deeper and mystical dimension of the play.
The 700 plus audience gave a prolonged emotion-filled applause at the end of the play. The audience included Executive Director of Lahore Arts Council Mr Tariq Mehmood Chaudhry and director Faisalabad Arts Council Mr Zahid Iqbal. A delegation of UK students also attended the show. Theatre veteran Asim Bukhari, who has played Shah Inayat in the play for two decades, was also present.
Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem said the play had been revived after several years on great public demand. He said he was happy to see young actors trained by Ajoka joining seniors to present a polished and impactful performance.
Shahid Nadeem in his opening remarks thanked Lahore Arts Council for its support and welcomed the new Executive Director. He also announced that the performance was dedicated to the victims of the recent insane violent attack by religious extremists on the Christian community in Jaranwala. – PUNA
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