Ajoka Theatre as an Icon of Liberal Humanist Values

Abstract

There are multiple ways of transferring human values, cultures and history from one generation to another. Literature, Art, Paintings and Theatrical performances are the real reflection of any civilization. In the history of subcontinent, theatres played a vital role in promoting the Pakistani and Indian history; Mughal culture and traditions. Pakistani theatre, “Ajoka” played significant role to propagate positive, humanitarian and liberal humanist values. This research aims to investigate the transformation in the history of Pakistani theatre specifically the “Ajoka” theatre that was established under the government of military dictatorship in Pakistan in the late nineteenth century. It was not a compromising time for the celebration of liberal humanist values in Pakistan as the country was under the rules of military dictatorship. The present study is intended to explore the dissemination of liberal humanist values in the plays and performances of “Ajoka” theatre. The research is meant to highlight the struggle of “Ajoka” theatre for enhancing the message of love, tolerance, peace and other humanist values in such crucial time.