Ajoka Theatre Founder Madeeha Gauhar Passes Away

Ajoka Theatre founder, playwright, actor and director of social theatre Madeeha Gauhar passed away in Lahore on Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Apr, 2018 ) :Ajoka Theatre founder, playwright, actor and director of social theatre Madeeha Gauhar passed away in Lahore on Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer.

According to private news channel, Madeeha was suffering from cancer for the past three years, and her funeral prayers will be held on Thursday evening. The actor, director and women's rights activist founded Ajoka Theatre in 1984 as part of her commitment to theatre for social change.

Ajoka's plays have been based on social issues and human rights such as female literacy and honour killings.

Ajoka has performed in various countries across Asia and Europe and has also staged productions in backyards and open spaces in poor localities to raise awareness.

In 2006, Madeeha became the first Pakistani to be honoured with the prestigious Prince Claus Award for her leadership of Ajoka. The award was given to her by Ambassador of Netherlands Willem Andreae.

Madeeha was married to veteran writer and director Shahid Nadeem and was the elder sister of renowned actress Faryal Gauhar. Her daughter, Savera Nadeem, is also an actress, director, and producer.