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NSD renews invitation

ISLAMABAD: India’s National School of Drama has reiterated its invitation to the Lahore-based Ajoka theatre group to participate in its ongoing theatre festival in New Delhi. Ajoka’s Madeeha Gauhar told The Hindu that she received a call from the NSD on Monday, telling her that the group must come to the festival and that its play would go ahead as scheduled.

The NSD clarified to Ms. Gauhar that they had never cancelled Ajoka’s play but in the light of the threats to the institution over the staging of Pakistani plays, the organisers had decided to take a final call after Sunday night’s performance by another Pakistani group. That having gone off successfully, the festival organisers had decided that Ajoka must participate too.

“I really appreciate the stand taken by NSD despite all the threats they have been receiving. NSD and Ajoka have a long-standing relationship, and in these times of adversity for both countries, it is really important for artistes from the two sides to interact. We are looking forward to staging our play Hotel Mohenjodaro at the festival,” said Ms. Gauhar.

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