Ajoka budding writers present screen plays

LAHORE: Historic Tollington Market, now known as National College of Arts Tollington Block, was abuz with creativity and drama when an evening of dramatic readings was organised by Ajoka Institute.

Budding writers from Ajoka's Art of Writing Batch 20, presented four scripts and screenplays before an appreciative audience. The first-time drama writers were Mahrukh Hussain, Adeel Haroon, Arfan Ali and Farzana Afzaal. 

They were joined in the readings by Ajoka's students and friends, including Fahad Amir, Azka Tahir, Fizza Tirmizi, Nyle Imtiaz, Kashif Faheem, Faheera, Izzah, Farhan, Tayyab and Aziz.

First script to be presented was ‘Safar Tamam’, by Farzana Afzaal. It related to the recent tragic sinking of a boat of illegal immigrants, near Greek coast and how it impacted a family in a small Punjab town.

Adeel Haroon presented a story about a clever girl, who feigns psychotic symptoms to avoid an arranged marriage and in the end runs away with a neighbourhood chef. Arfan Ali's ‘Takmeel’ was about the dilemma of a childless couple who are offered a transgender baby for adoption.

The last story to be read was Mahrukh Hussain's ‘Aetbaar’, a story of love and jealousy revolving around three girl friends who feel betrayed by each other, ending with a shocking end. At the end, certificates were distributed by Ajoka Institute's Director Nirvaan Nadeem and NCA's representative Nomera Adil, to the writers for successfully completing the course.

Ajoka Theatre and Executive Director Art and writing course mentor, Shahid Nadeem congratulated the writers for presenting impressive dramatic stories. He disclosed the 21st writing course starts from 17 December. He also thanked NCA for its support for the event.