Ajoka Theatre delivered a compelling performance of its latest production ‘Yeh Auratein Kahan Gaeen’ at the Shakir Ali Auditorium during the NCA Triennale 2025.
The play, a thought-provoking fictional narrative imagining the sudden disappearance of women from society, captivated audiences while sparking critical conversations about gender and social issues.
Commemorating 150 years of evolution from the Mayo School of Art to the National College of Arts (NCA), the Triennale gives expression to the institution’s guiding motto and introduces NCA’s first international platform dedicated to contemporary creativity and cultural dialogue. Ajoka’s production added a powerful voice to this artistic convergence, shedding light on themes of visibility, suppression and resilience of women in society.
Nirvaan Nadeem, Director of Ajoka Institute, said, “Performing Yeh Auratein Kahan Gaeen at the NCA Triennale was a significant moment for our team. Ajoka has always used theatre to spark dialogue and this play reflects the very conversations that platforms like the Triennale are meant to inspire.”
The audience responded with great appreciation, marking a thoughtful and impactful conclusion to the theatre segment of the Triennale.
Separately, Ajoka’s acclaimed play “Lawrence in Lahore” received prolonged applause from the audience at the Princeton University on 19th November. The play, revolving around the exploits of the fabled British spy TE Lawrence in Lahore. The performed reading was directed by Ajoka’s Shahid Nadeem and performed by the Princeton students. The cast included students from diverse backgrounds as well as some faculty members including Professor Nadera Shalhoub, Fouzia Farooqi, Eemaan Siddiqui and Maithili Patel.
At the beginning, Professor Shamus Khan of the Gender and Sexuality Studies program, introduced Shahid Nadeem and paid tribute to his contribution to South Asian and the world theatre. During the post performance discussion, members of the cast and the audience spoke about the negative role played by the spies of the empire in destabilising the regions like Middle East and South Asia. Shahid co-wrote the play with Professor Fawzia Afzal Khan and it was staged in Lahore earlier this year.
Shahid Nadeem, who spent a week at Princeton, working with the cast, also gave a talk at the Princeton Public Library and at a dinner reception given by noted philanthropist Imran Shah.