Jujhar Cheema - an adaptation of Julius Caesar

03/30/2024

One of the highlights of my visit was the time I spent with Shahid Nadeem Sahab of Ajoka Theatre Pakistan. This picture was taken after a performance of Bullah at the 8th Faiz Festival 2024

05/09/2023

Click to Support us!! Jujhar Cheema needs your support! We are raising funds for the World Premiere in Delhi and the publication of the book

Jujhar Cheema is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar set in Pu… Sarbpreet Singh needs your support for Jujhar Cheema, an adaptation of Julius Caesar

04/26/2023

Jujhar Cheema is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar set in Punjab in the early 90s when the violence in Punjab was at its peak. The play draws heavily upon research into that turbulent period, little understood to this day, when political intrigue, a shadowy militant movement, a corrupt and ruthless police force, and an emboldened criminal element swirled together to create an unholy mix of treachery and violence.
The play, while faithfully following the envelope of Shakespeare’s work has an epic sweep and draws heavily upon the history of Punjab in the eighteenth century, also a time of great turbulence when the conflict between the Afghans and the Mughals provided the backdrop for the rise of Sikh power. It includes text from The Guru Granth Sahib, and the Dasam Granth. It also incorporates excerpts from epic Punjabi and Braj Bhasa poetry; such as Shah Muhammad’s Jangnama, Senapati’s Sri Gur Sobha and the poetry of the great Sufi poet Madho Lal Hussain.
Jujhar Cheema, the charismatic leader of a top militant outfit is assassinated by a cabal led by his dearest friend Brar, when it appears that he has become arrogant and has started putting his personal interests before those of the militant movement. The fallen leader’s young protégé, Aulakh and his nephew Onkar forge unexpected alliances to exact revenge from the cabal as internecine warfare breaks out among the rebels.