Renowned performing arts group Ajoka Theatre streamed an online play this weekend. Produced entirely on the cloud meeting platform Zoom, the play was called Manto Online and based on Shahid Nadeem’s much renowned play Kaun Hai Yeh Gushtakh.
As the name suggest, the play – directed by Nirvaan Nadeem – is an amalgamation of different stories essayed by legendary writer Saadat Hasan Manto.

The play was essentially an experimental production wherein actors from various cities including Lahore, Karachi and Houston participated via Zoom app. The production was designed in such a way that each actor was able to record their scene in isolation whilst at the same time, maintaining constant continuity.

The production received massive response and appreciation on Facebook and YouTube. The actors expressed their gratitude for Ajoka and director Nirvaan Nadeem for the opportunity to be included in such an experiment.

According to Nirvaan, who is also the executive director at Ajoka, the company has been facing many obstacles countless times before. “Ajoka Theatre has always continued its work, even in the most difficult of circumstances in the country. With Covid-19 being the latest challenge, Ajoka has still managed to come out on top,” he told The Express Tribune.

Adding on, Nadeem talked about how this is the first of many online plays by Ajoka. “Entertainment is an important factor for the relaxation and peace in society. Ajoka has introduced a new trend of online performances. In future, more such shows will be performed with the purpose of giving relief to theatre lovers in these testing times.”
 The cast of the play included Feza Farooq, Usama Shah, Jehanzeb Khan, Jawad Tariq, Ahmad Ali, Saad Syed, Asad and Anam Jalil. The play can be viewed on Ajoka’s YouTube and Facebook channels.

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