Ajoka Theatre captivated audiences on the inaugural day of the Faiz International Festival at Alhamra Hall 2 with its acclaimed production Dara.
Performed before a jam-packed hall, the powerful staging and evocative performances drew sustained and heartfelt applause from the audience, setting a compelling artistic and intellectually vibrant tone for the festival’s opening proceedings.
Written and directed by Shahid Nadeem, Dara revisits the historic rivalry between Mughal princes Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb, sons of Emperor Shah Jahan, exploring the contrasting worldviews that shaped the political, cultural, and intellectual landscape of the subcontinent. A regular presence at the Faiz International Festival, Ajoka Theatre continues to bring socially and historically resonant stories to its audiences year after year.
The play drew sustained applause, with viewers lauding its powerful performances, engaging dialogue and enduring relevance. Through its exploration of power, ideology and tolerance, Dara resonated deeply with the festival’s ethos of progressive thought, cultural expression and critical dialogue.
Commenting on the performance, Shahid Nadeem said that Dara continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, raising timeless questions about authority, belief and coexistence. He added that staging Dara on the opening day of the Faiz International Festival carries special significance, as the play reflects the festival’s core values of humanism, critical thought and cultural reflection.
Through Dara, Ajoka Theatre reinforced its tradition of thought-provoking theatre that connects past narratives with today’s world.