Daily Times

The world lost a legendary arts and culture advocate on Wednesday. Renowned for being a veteran actress, playwright, social theatre director and a women’s rights activist, Madeeha Gauhar’s name needs no introduction.

On Wednesday, Madeeha Gauhar passed away in Lahore at the age of 61 after a three year illness with cancer.

Better known for being Ajoka Theatre’s co-founder, Gauhar was the torchbearer of leading drama artists, performers and musicians towards endless success and recognition, which in turn gave drama and theatre enthusiasts and stage show goers quality art and entertainment. If that is not social work, what is?

Internationally acclaimed Gauhar, took Ajoka beyond borders, showcasing and highlighting a vibrant, lively, peace loving and immensely talented picture of Pakistan, inviting foreign artists to come and perform in the country as well.

Gauhar was the torchbearer of leading drama artists, performers and musicians towards endless success and recognition, which in turn gave drama and theatre enthusiasts and stage show goers quality art and entertainment

The most important motive of the shows, according to Gauhar, was the promotion of a just, humane, secular, and equal society. While directing performances in theatre, Gauhar utilised aesthetics and theatrical techniques to reflect the moral, social and political reality of contemporary Pakistan. A recurrent theme for her, as a feminist, was the subject of women’s rights in a society that is greatly dominated by men.

Thirty-five years back, Gauhar founded Ajoka Theatre where social themes were staged in on the street and in public spaces. With Ajoka, she grasped the opportunity to perform in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, as well as in several countries in Europe.

Renowned actress Uzma Hassan paid a lush tribute to Gauhar in the following words: “Madeeha Gauhar. My mentor, the woman who taught me everything I know about theatre, the one who gave me the opportunity and the confidence to stand on stage, the one who pushed me, believed in me, encouraged me and got the best out of me, the founder of Ajoka Theatre, has left us today.

Madeeha Apa, you were a force of nature. Never have I come a across a more brave, resilient and fearless woman, as you. You were an inspiration, our pillar of strength. Ajoka will always be the pride of Pakistan, but it will never, ever be the same without you. Theatre will never be the same without you. Nothing will ever be the same without you! This void can never be filled. Rest in peace. Rest in power.”

Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop expressed their grief saying, “A sad day for Lahore. We at Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop would like to share our deep condolences on the passing of Madeeha Gauhar a playwright and director of social theatre, a women’s rights activist, a powerful voice, a strong personality and a friend of the Rafi Peer family. May you rest in peace.”

Veteran actress Sania Saeed said, “Theatre in Pakistan has lost its strongest soldier. Thank you for all your work Madiha ji. Farewell.”

Leading journalist Hamid Mir tweeted, “Madeeha Gauhar was a brave woman who used street theatre to highlight social and political issues. I am proud to be part of her Ajoka Theatre during my student days from 1985 to 1987. We did street theatre during the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy in Lahore and many areas of Sindh.”

Veteran actress Sania Saeed said, ‘Theatre in Pakistan has lost its strongest soldier. Thank you for all your work Madiha ji. Farewell.’

Politician and former diplomat Sherry Rehman also took to Twitter to express her sorrow: “Very sorry that #MadeehaGauhar is no longer with us. May her activism and work live on.”

Renowned journalist and editor Sonya Rehman said, “Wrote about Ajoka often during my 20s when I was at The News. I am so gutted to hear about Madeeha Gauhar’s passing. I remember visiting her house once and was fascinated by her miniature doll collection. May her soul finally rest in peace. Cancer is not an easy battle to fight.”

Gauhar was born in 1956 in Karachi. She was a highly qualified individual who obtained her Masters degree in English Literature and then moved to England where she obtained another Master’s degree, studying theater sciences at the University of London.

Once back in her home country, Gauhar and her husband Shahid Nadeem founded Ajoka Theatre, through which she aimed to incorporate authentic Pakistani elements with contemporary sentiments.

Gauhar’s achievements are endless. In 2006, she was honoured with a Prince Claus Award from the Netherlands. The very next year, she won the International Theatre Pasta Award.

She was the recipient of numerous other awards as well for her theatrical efforts. During the first Indus Drama Awards in 2005, she was nominated for Best Actress Drama Serial in a Supporting Role. The same year, Gauhar was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She received the Pride of Performance award from the president of Pakistan for her efforts in improving Pakistani theatre.

She leaves behind an unparalleled and unprecedented legacy. May she rest in power.

Published in Daily Times, April 26^th 2018.