The Death Penalty in Pakistan — Intezaar / The Wait

In November 2016, Justice Project Pakistan, Highlight Arts and Complicité ran workshops in Lahore, with actors from Ajoka Theatre, to research the topic and develop ideas for a theatre project. The Company visited prisons, met prisoners on death row, family members, jail wardens, human rights lawyers and executioners.
Reviews & Press Coverage
The Friday Times — The Wait: “Their miserable existence and their resilience and courage to make their meaningless lives somewhat meaningful are a central theme. There is a prisoner who can paint, another who can compose and sing and yet another who spends all his time studying and teaching others.” Read more…
The Express Tribune — Noose Over Their Heads: “…a harrowing yet powerful depiction…” Read more…
The International News — Play Highlights Plight of Death Row Prisoners: “The performance was very strong. The artists were deeply involved and played their parts superbly.” Read more…
Dawn — For the Gallows: “sombre moments were intertwined with instances of song and dance, poetry and laughter.” Read more…
The International News — Play Highlights Plight of Death Row Prisoners: “Intezaar demonstrates the structural flaws inherent to Pakistan’s criminal justice system.” Read more…
Daily Times — Miseries of Prisoners Depicted: “The play raised serious question on the judicial system and weak prosecution system, which is causing execution of hundreds of innocent people since the creation of Pakistan. The play presented stories of six prisoners – some who were forced to confess to the crimes.” Read more…
The Nation — ‘Intezaar’ Exposes Flaws in Judicial System: “One character which gives hope in this depressing situation is the lawyer who is devoted to work to seek relief and justice for unfortunate victims of social and institutional injustice.” Read more…