Madeeha
Gauhar

Awardee

Country

Pakistan

Madeeha Gauhar advocated for free expression through theatre.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Racial justice
Gender equality
Disciplines
Theatre
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2006

Profile

Madeeha Gauhar (1956-2018) was a theatre director and producer based in Pakistan. Gauhar founded the Ajoka Theatre in 1984, aiming to promote peace, human rights, and social justice through performing arts. Her practice revolved around addressing taboo subjects such as gender issues, human rights abuses, and religious intolerance, often challenging conservative norms in Pakistani society.Gauhar's impactful productions, including "Bullah" "Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein" and "Kaun Hai Yeh Gustakh", received international acclaim, particularly in South Asian countries. These plays not only showcased at prestigious venues across Pakistan but also toured India and Europe, breaking cultural barriers and fostering dialogue.