LAHORE: The highly anticipated Ajoka Dosti Theatre Festival opened with a spectacular performance of Ajoka`s internationally renowned play `Dara` at Alhamra Hall No 1 on Saturday.

The opening evening saw an overwhelming response, with audiences filling the hall to capacity and even occupying the stairs, showcasing the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the festival. The performance received out standing ovation and applause.

The festival began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, symbolizing the spirit of friendship. Renowned actress Savera Nadeem hosted the ceremony, warmly welcoming the festival participants. The lamps were lit by theatre activist Arvinder Chamak from Indian Punjab, distinguished artist Faryal Gohar, Ajoka`s Executive Director Shahid Nadeem, Savera Nadeem, Nirvaan Nadeem and others.

This was followed by a touching musical performance by the girls of Sacred Heart School, who sang asong celebrating the theme of friendship.

Wahab Shah Dance Company enthralled the audience with a powerful dance performance, featuring a heartfelt tribute to the plight of people of the Palestine.

The performance continued with a mesmerizing cultural dance that showcased Pakistan`s rich heritage, folk songs, vibrant costumes accompanied by mystic poetry and traditional puppets of camels, peacocks, and horses.

Prior to the opening ceremony, an exclusive short documentary chronicling Ajoka`s four-decade journey was screened. Key members shared insights into Ajoka`s pivotal role in promoting socially relevant and culturally enriched theatre.

The play `Dara`, written and directed by Shahid Nadeem, depicts the intense power struggle between Sufi prince Dara Shikoh and his fundamentalist brother Aurangzeb. A follower of Mian Mir, Dara was an artist and poet who championed an inclusive and peaceful interpretation of Islam.

`Dara` has been widely per-formed in Pakistan, India, the USA and beyond. The cast features esteemed actors such as Naseem Abbas, Usman Raaj, Kamran Mujahid, Iram Navae, Eva Majid and Usman Zia, complemented by live music and specially composed mystic poetry.

Ajoka`s Dosti Theatre Festival, commemorating its 40th anniversary, will continue until Nov 17 and showcase performances by 11 theatre groups from various countries.

The second day of the festival will include a special tribute to the people of Palestine, featuring performances by notable Pakistani and American artists.

The programme will include readings from `Gaza Monologues, recounting the testimonies of young Gaza residents, performed by Faryal Ali Gauhar, Hafeez Tahir, Ahmad Bilal, Aisha Bilal, Naseem Abbas, and Sufia Humayun.

Theatre activists Monica Hunken and Leah Bachar from the USA will join this tribute, marking a unique collaboration of solidarity between American and Pakistani artists.