STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, April 23 (APP)- The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Iqbal Academy (UK) joined together Friday for two days of festivity and performance as part of the traditional Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations, in this English west midlands town. Focussing this year on connections between the two great geniuses of the West and the East: William Shakespeare (1564-1616) and Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938), performers and musicians from Pakistan joined local community events at Shakespeare’s birthplace, and around the town of Stratford, to provide visitors with a spectacular programme of performance.

On Saturday, adding a colourful cultural presentation of Pakistani folklore using traditional instruments and vocal depiction of legendary romance, renowned artists will join the traditional procession through the town, as well as showcasing handmade crafts and authentic foods for visitors to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Performers and musicians will include Saghir Ahmed Dholak player from Punjab, Akhtar Chanal vocalist with Dhamboora from Baluchistan,Bushra Marvi folk singer with Ektara from Sindh, Veeho Mal legendary Alghoza player from Sindh and Ejaz Sarhadi, gifted Sarinda player from Khyber-Pushtunkhwa.

They will perform around the Town to add to the festivities of Shakespeare’s birthday and pay tributes to the poet of East, Iqbal.

In addition, a special commemorative plaque, displaying Iqbal’s poem to Shakespeare, in decorative Urdu/Persian calligraphy (with an English translation), was  commissioned by the Iqbal Academy (UK) in conjunction with the Iqbal Academy Pakistan.

The plaque was inaugurated by the High Commissioner for Pakistan Wajid Shamsul Hasan at the Shakespeare Centre this morning.

The unveiling was marked by schools from across the midlands, including students from The Coventry Muslim School and The Sumali School - Coventry, who read poems in honour of the occasion.

The plaque symbolised the unique legacy of both Shakespeare and Muhammad Iqbal.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Diana Owen, Director of The Shakespeare Trust said: “We are dedicated to the worldwide promotion of Shakespeare’s work and are delighted to commemorate Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal’s poem to Shakespeare, here where Shakespeare was born and grew up.”

She added: “The study and enjoyment of both these world famous writers brings enormous pleasure to millions and the traditional Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations here in Stratford offer a timely opportunity to explore our shared cultural heritage and build understanding between nations.”