Ajoka Theatre from Lahore, Pakistan
Bullha – a play on the life and times of Baba Bulleh Shah

Ajoka is Pakistan’s leading non-commercial and socially committed theatre company and pioneered the theatre movement in Pakistan.

It was set up in 1983 by a group of young people led by Madeeha Gauhar, a TV actress and theatre director. Ajoka's first play, Badal Sarkar's Jaloos, was performed in Lahore in 1984, on a house lawn in defiance of the strict censorship laws. Since then Ajoka has been continuously performing socially-meaningful plays within Pakistan and abroad. It now has over two dozen original plays and several adaptations in its repertoire.

The play Bullha is a tribute to the great Sufi mystic Baba Bulleh Shah. It is broadly based on the events of his life, as communicated through his poetry, historical records and popular myths. And there is no dearth of dramatic episodes in the life of Bulleh Shah. His search for truth, his devotion to his mentor Shah Inayat, his conflict with the intolerant clergy and corrupt Nawabs, his opposition to the wars and bloodshed in the name of religion - all are incorporated as powerful scenes in the play.

The play is about the turbulent times of Bulleh Shah and has a great relevance to present-day South Asia. It is a strong plea for love and peace, and an indictment against intolerance, violence and hatred. Bullha is not just a period play. It is also a celebration of the rich and vibrant culture of the Punjab. Ajoka’s critically acclaimed production has been seen in India, Iran and the US as well as in their homeland Pakistan. As well as the Glasgow performance it will tour to London’s Riverside Studios and Newcastle.

Bullha – a play on the life and times of Baba Bulleh Shah can be seen in Glasgow on Sun 6 Aug, 8pm as part of the World Sufi Festival.

World Sufi Festival
Tramway, Albert Drive,
Glasgow from 4 – 6 Aug 2006
Music, poetry, arts, crafts, theatre, film,
fashionand a food street
Celebrate with Peace in the City

For more information, photos etc contact
Morag Neil on 0131 557 5918 / 0771 288 0965
or Oceanic Consulting on 0141 227 3930

www.ajoka.org.pk
www.sufifestival.org