Three-day drama festival organised by Ajoka Theatre titled ‘Azadi Theatre Festival’ began in Lahore with a performance of the play ‘Chaak Chakkar’ at Alhamra Hall on Wednesday. People from different walks of life thronged to the venue to watch the inaugural play of the three-day festival. Head of the Press and Cultural Section German Embassy Pakistan, Ajoka Theatre’s officials, activists, performers and students from various educational institutes were present on the occasion. ‘Chaak Chakkar’ is an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’ s German play ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’ that was written in the time when the world was still reeling under the devastation caused by the World War II . This was the last play which Brecht wrote between 1944-45 and it reflects the tragedies of that time — the terror and aftermath of the second world war, the tearing part of the social fabric, the economic chaos, warring factions, dilemmas in the dispensation of justice to the people and the ultimate ‘judgment’ of love. The play, ‘Charing Cross’, is a spectacular musical epic based on the major political and social changes that took place in Pakistan — with Lahore’s Charing Cross as a witness However, ‘Chaak Chakkar’ appeared to have been specially written for the post 8th Amendment and post-dissolution Pakistan of 1993. In the first half of the play, the setup was intriguing — there was complete lack of morals and ethics among the warring ruling factions and an economic, political and moral chaos were depicted. In the second half of the play, law was presented to be standing on its head. The rogue judge that appeared to be corrupt, rude and unpredictable was in fact mocking the prevalent norms of justice. While speaking on occasion, Ajoka’s Executive Director Shahid Mehmood Nadeem stated that the Azadi Festival also marks the 34th anniversary of Ajoka’s inception. He said, “Ajoka has introduced fresh actors in its both plays lined up for the festival. It’s an effort to encourage the new talent. The festival will also present a fresh perspective about what ‘Azadi’ means to Pakistan’s youth.” Head of the Press and Cultural Section, German Embassy Pakistan Brinksmeir praised the Ajoka team for presenting an excellent performance. He acknowledged the hard work done by the actors and said, “It is very delightful to watch that audience thoroughly enjoying the story of German author.” He also announced that Ajoka theatre will perform a special show of ‘Chaak Chakkar’ in collaboration with German Embassy, at PNCA Islamabad, next week. The festival is a continuation of Ajoka’s theatre events to mark the 70th anniversary of independence. On the second day, two theatre groups including The Art Club of Agriculture University Faisalabad and Punjab University’s Makhotay Theatre will perform their plays revolving around the theme of independence and human dignity. Punjab University’s Makhotay theatre play titled ‘Ghulam’ reflects the history, culture and sentiments related to Pakistan. Agriculture University, Faisalabad will present a mime performance based on message of peace and religious intolerance titled ‘Pursuit of Happiness’. The festival will conclude with a performance of Ajoka’s latest play ‘Charing Cross’. The play is especially produced to mark the 70th anniversary of Pakistan. It is a spectacular musical epic based on the major political and social changes on Pakistani landscape with Lahore’s Charing Cross as a witness. Published in Daily Times, April 13th 2018.