Cancelled Pakistani play on Manto finally staged

Amid the recent flare-up of tensions between the two countries, Ajoka's scheduled performance at the National School of Drama theatre festival was cancelled earlier this week, alongwith another Pakistani group National Academy of Performing Arts.

Artistes from the two groups were said to be heading home after the cancellation of the plays, but, supported by civil society members and theatre personalities, Ajoka finally staged their play on Saturday to a packed auditorium at Akshara theatre here.

Calling it "really special", Madeeha Gouhar, director of Ajoka theatre, said she was touched.

"This was really special. We were so sad that we will go without performing. But this gesture of the Indian society has touched us," a tearful Gouhar said.

"Both sides have a minority who have an ideology of hatred, but we have to fight against them. The communication between two sides should continue," Gouhar said, adding that both the countries share a common history and culture, which no one can undermine.

"We hope we will come back soon," Gouhar said.

Gopal Sharma and Jalabala Vaidya, who own Akshara theatre, said that when they were approached by activists and theatre personalities for giving out the auditorium for the play, they agreed immediately.

"I felt bad that the play was cancelled. The Pakistani group was invited here and then their plays were cancelled, it reflects bad on our liberal and tolerant culture," Sharma said.

"We stand for free speech and theatre," he added.

Theatre personality Arvind Gaur said, "We felt we wont be able to face ourselves if they went without performing."

The play focused on Manto's life, work and events after his migration to Pakistan.

Naseem Abbas, who has essayed the role of Manto, said his group was disappointed when they were informed about the cancellation.

"I was shocked, but somehow I also had this hope that we will not go without performing. It was a very special gesture by people who gave us support to perform here," Abbas said.

The play received a standing ovation with many from the audience and troupe members crying.

"Today this play is a hope, it was not a play which happened here, it was much more," a tearful audience member said.