LAHORE: Ajoka Theatre presented a new play “Kabira Kharra Bazaar May”, based on the life of the 15th century saint ‘Bhagat Kabir’ at the Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) on Tuesday. The play highlighted the life, poetry and mystic approach of Kabir and presented a collaboration of Pakistani and Indian theatre veterans. Ajoka Theatre paid rich tribute to the Sufi saint of the sub continent, Kabir. The 15th-century poet/saint Kabir is known for leading the Bhakti Movement, which was a spiritual and social movement and defied the Hindu caste system by projecting a relationship with the creator based on love and compassion. The play shed light on the movement, which advocated religious harmony and tolerance and rejected faith-based hatred and discrimination. In the play, it was also portrayed that the Bhakti Movement was greatly influenced by Sufis and their messages in India. “Kabira Kharra Bazaar May” is based on Indian writer Bisham Sahni’s famous play, designed and directed by India’s eminent theatre director Kewal Dhaliwal. Prior to this, Dhaliwal conducted a theatre workshop in Lahore with the Ajoka team for preparation of the play. Actors highlighted the era of Kabir with perfection, presented his confrontation with religious clerics and sang his evergreen poetry, which carries the universal message of peace and tolerance. Kabir belonged to a lower-middle class Muslim family of weavers. The play also shed light on the struggle of Kabir who fearlessly challenged the religious orthodox. In the wake of his outspoken stance, he was attacked by both the Hindu and the Muslim establishment but the people at large supported his stance. A large number of people attended the play, which will run until today (Thursday).