Lahore (Qasim Ali)
Wealthy tributes have been paid to the theatre icon and founding father of Ajoka Theatre Madeeha Gauhar at a memorial assembly held on the fifth anniversary of her passing away. Those that shared their reminiscences included playwright and Madeeha’s husband Shahid Nadeem, her son Nirvaan Nadeem, actress Samia Mumtaz, theatre activist Rukhsana Kazmi, filmmaker Shoaib Sultan, stage and TV actress Razia Malik, actors Sarfraz Ansari and Umar Bhatti. They praised Madeeha’s ardour and dedication to theatre and peace.
The programme included studying of extracts from Madeeha’s diaries and different writings by Nirvaan Nadeem, Arzoo Ali Gauhar, Fizza Jamal, Mohammad Qaisar and Usman Zia. The extracts associated to Madeeha’s development as a socially conscious artist and activist. A TV interview of Madeeha was additionally screened through which she talked about her creative journey and her work for theatre for peace.
Shahid Nadeem stated that Ajoka cherishes Madeeha’s legacy and is carrying on along with her mission of spreading the message of peace and social consciousness by entertaining theatre. He additionally revealed that Ajoka to mark its fortieth anniversary with year- lengthy actions and the small print shall be introduced on 5 Might earlier than the efficiency of its new play “Uddanhaare”at Alhamra.
