JOKA Theatre is set to stage its new political play, titled Charing Cross, from Tuesday (tomorrow). It will be a musical epic primarily based on the major political and social changes in Pakistan witnessed by the busy intersecdon on The Mall in Lahore by the same name.

The play is written and directed by Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem. It will be previewed on Jan 30 at Alhamra and continue till Feb 1.

Choreographer Wahab Shah is looking after the choreography while music director M Aslam has composed the music.

Talking about the play, Nadeem said Charing Cross was notjust about the place but also about the city of Lahore and broadly about Pakistan. The play will take the audience on a journey into Pakistan`s political history and enable them to take stock of and experience the events, the stories of shattered dreams and undying hope.

Charing Cross is a salute to the resilient and optimistic spirit of the people.

The play features new talent besides Ajoka`s regular performing troupe. It also carries somesoul-stirring songs and poetry as well as f amous poetry written by literary giants of the era. The cast includes Arshad Durrani, Usman Raaj, Sohail Tariq, Mohammad Qaiser, Muzammil Shabbir, Hina Tariq and Nabeel Butt. Newcomers include Mehreen, Kanwal, Muniba, Fahad, Imran and Asad.

The play is being presented in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council and will travel to other cities also.HE Punjab Folk Studio presented a colorful cultural show on Saturday evening at Open Air Theatre Bagh-iJinnah reflecting the rich traditions of the 15th century city of Dera Ghazi Khan.

The studio set up by the Punjab government a few weeks ago to portray the cultural heritage of the province hosted the `Roh-Thal-Damman Cultural Show` in collaboration with Punjab and Dera Ghazi Khan art councils.

The stage was decorated with traditional items from the city such as handicrafts, glittering changairs (straw tray), flowers, Ajrak, vibrant carpets, embroidered outfits and a mud house.

There were stalls selling hand-made shoes, embroidered women`s wear, replicas of historical landmarks in the city as well as handicrafts.

Posters were also displayed featuring personalities and landmarks of the city, including celebrated singer Pathanay Khan, poets Mohsin Naqvi and Dr Najma Shaheen, Khwaja Ghulam Parid`s shrine and Darbar Peer Pathan among others.

The first performance of the evening was a sword dance by Baloch dancers from Koh-iSuleman. The performance, locally called Zaam Dareez, was a spectacular show of courage and valour reflecting the historical traditions of the mountainous region.

Awais Pathanay Khan, grandson of the renowned singer, was one of the main attractions for the audience. Awais, who is pursuing an MBA degree, surprised the audience with his singing resembling his legendary grandfather whose classic `Meda ishq vi toon` he performed at the evening.

SingerTariq Sialsangthe classic folk song `Chitta kukkar`.

Alghoza player Ghulam Farid Kanera played a Khwaja Ghulam Farid kaafi on the instrument, exhilarating the audience.

Girls from Thal desert area attired in intricately embroidered colourful dresses pre-sented their cultural dance to a folk song amid applause from the audience.

Singer Asif Ali from Dera Ghazi Khan stole the show by singing some famous folk num-bers such as `Chan kithan guzari ayi` and `Bismillah karaan` that brought youngsters among the audience to their feet.

In the end, Punjab Council of Arts Executive Director SamanRai thanked the performers and audience, saying: `It was a pure, natural show straight from the heart that depicted the rich cultural heritage of Dera Ghazi Khan well.