Shahid Nadeem Explores Art, Creativity and Theatre Under Authoritarian Rule at Princeton

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE — Renowned Pakistani playwright and Ajoka Theatre’s Executive Director, Shahid Nadeem, delivered an influential lecture titled “Theatre in the Time of Authoritarianism” at the Princeton Public Library, drawing an audience of Princeton University faculty members, scholars, and theatre enthusiasts.

Addressing the gathering, Nadeem explored how socially conscious artists continue to create meaningful work amid tightening state controls. He likened performers under authoritarian rule to kabaddi players—“strong enough to confront pressure yet agile enough to avoid suppression.” Humour and music, he said, remain vital tools for presenting social critique while keeping audiences engaged.

Emphasizing cultural identity, Nadeem highlighted the importance of drawing strength from Sufi traditions and indigenous heritage, which he believes help artists stay rooted while exploring bold creative ideas. The session was introduced by Cliff Robinson of the Princeton Public Library and hosted by Princeton University Professor Fawzia Afzal Khan. A dynamic Q&A session followed, with participants praising Ajoka Theatre’s long-standing contribution to elevating Pakistan’s theatre on the global stage.

Earlier, at a private dinner hosted by Imran Chaudhry, Nadeem shared insights into Ajoka Theatre’s decades-long mission to promote peace, human rights, and social harmony through performing arts.

During his visit, Nadeem is also directing a staged reading of his English play “Lawrence in Lahore”, to be performed by Princeton University students on 19 November. Co-written with Professor Afzal Khan, the play explores a lesser-known chapter in the life of British spy Lawrence of Arabia. It has previously been showcased in Lahore, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Following his engagements in the United States, Shahid Nadeem will travel to London, where he is scheduled to deliver a talk on “Sufism and Theatre” at the Pakistan High Commission on 25 November. The London Literary Circle will also host a special lecture in his honour on 29 November.