Pakistani Playwright Shahid Nadeem Brings ‘Lawrence in Lahore’ to Princeton University

By Dr Ansab Ali — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE — Renowned Pakistani playwright Shahid Nadeem, co-founder of Ajoka Theatre, has arrived in the United States to direct a staged reading of his acclaimed English play “Lawrence in Lahore” at the prestigious Princeton University. The performance, featuring Princeton students, is scheduled for 19 November.

Written by Nadeem in collaboration with academic Professor Fawzia Afzal Khan, the play explores the little-known chapter of British spy Lawrence of Arabia’s presence in Lahore. It has previously been staged in Lahore, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Montclair University in New Jersey.

During his visit, Nadeem will also deliver a talk titled “Theatre Under Authoritarian Rule” at the Princeton Public Library on 16 November, and attend several receptions in New Jersey and New York.

Following his U.S. engagements, the playwright will travel to London, where he is scheduled to speak on “Sufism and Theatre” at the Pakistan High Commission on 25 November. He will also be honoured at an event hosted by the London Literary Circle on 29 November.