Madeeha Gauhar

Madeeha Gauhar was a Pakistani TV and stage actress, playwright and director of social theater, and women's rights activist. In 1984, she founded Ajoka Theatre where social themes were staged in theaters, on the street and in public places. With Ajoka Theatre, she performed in Asia and Europe. She was one of the leading actresses on Pakistan's Television screens in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. She was also a tireless campaigner for peace with India and frequently collaborated with Indian artists. She was involved in the Women's March on 12 February 1983 when she and others protested against the regime. She was photographed being pushed back by a police officer. She directed almost 36 plays which were performed in Pakistan as well as in other Asian countries. The most important motive of the shows, according to Gauhar, was the promotion of a just, humane, secular and equal society. She directed performances in the theater, Gauhar utilised aesthetics and theatrical techniques to reflect the moral, social and political reality of contemporary Pakistan. A recurrent theme for her, as a feminist, was the subject of women's rights in a society that is greatly dominated by men. Some of her notable plays include Burqavaganza, Mera Rang De Basanti Chola, Dara, Toba Tek Singh, Aik Thi Nani, Bulha, Letters to Uncle Sam, Hotel Mohenjodaro and Lo Phir Basant Ayee. She was the first Pakistani to receive the prestigious Prince Claus Award for her leadership of Ajoka, which was praised by organisers of the Dutch prize for withstanding “pressures from the political and religious establishment, and (remaining) committed to the cause of theatre for social change”. She was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. She died at her hometown of Lahore on 25 April 2018 after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 61 years old.