Ajoka: The Protest of Drama
Remembering Madeeha Gauhar (1956-2018)
20 July 2018
Speakers: Adnan Khan, Sanjoy Roy, Elizabeth Lynch and Shahid Mahmood Nadeem
Chair: Nilanjan Sarkar
Actress, Feminist, Director, Activist, Madeeha Gauhar was the co-founder of ‘’ (1983) – a street theatre company fiercely devoted to secularism, equality, and the rights of women. In a critical decade of Pakistan’s history (the 1980s), Ajoka created a space for theatrical public protest against various forms of oppression. This event will remember the long-lasting impact and social relevance of Madeeha Gauhar’s path-breaking work through conversations with those who worked with her in Pakistan, India and the United Kingdom.
is Researcher and Policy Director at the International Growth Centre. He has acted in Ajoka in the 1980s, later setting up another street theatre group in Lahore.
(@SanjoyRoyTWA) is co-founder and the Managing Director of Teamwork Arts. He was deeply involved with the Theatre Action Group in Delhi and has worked with Madeeha Gauhar.
(@nefertiti35) is Chair of the Board of Trustees at Arts Catalyst. She is an arts producer, programmer, coach and consultant.
Shahid Mahmood Nadeem (@shahdeem) is Director of Ajoka Theatre, and of PTV Academy. He is an award-winning Pakistani journalist, playwright, screenwriter, theater and television director, and a human rights activist.
Nilanjan Sarkar is Deputy Director of the South Asia Centre.
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