A Dialectical Study of Shahid Nadeem’s Play Lo Phir Basant Aai

The present study aims at analysing the Ajoka theatre production Lo Phir Basant Aai in the light of Brechtian theory of dialectics. Basant has been a centuries old festival of Lahore that celebrates arrival of the spring season. Kite flying is a main part of this seasonal festivity. The local fanatic elements start violent attacks against kite flying and the other related fine arts. This dialectical conflict between Basant and fanaticism goes on many levels and in in many forms. The dialectical play text composed by Nadeem is self-referential in character. It engages the audience effectively by awakening their rational faculties. The audience/readers assume the role of a judge who critically listens to the dialectical views of both the lawyers and then decides the case in favor of the positive discourse. This alternative theatrical production grips the attention of the audience to support the Basant festival that guarantees the continuity of secular, plural and dynamic social formation of the society.