Introduction

The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

Articles related to: Drama

The theatre at Cromwell Gardens: A history of the site of the Ismaili Centre, London

The title deeds of the Cromwell Gardens were presented to the National Theatre Committee in 1938 by Bernard Shaw as part of a custom known as “The Ceremony of the Twig and the Sod”. Photo: Courtesy of John Stokes

In the 1990s, the Ismaili Centre, London hosted two major theatrical productions, but it wasn’t the first time that the grounds of the Centre had entertained thespian ambitions. TheIsmaili.org traces the history of the present-day site, which was once earmarked for the National Theatre.

Bait-ul Ilm students in France prepare for the Golden Jubilee visit by creating their own messages for Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for France

The announcement of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Paris has filled the Jamat with happiness. The excitement is palpable, as the France Jamat prepares to host Hazar Imam’s final visit of the Golden Jubilee.

Ali to Karim scene: A Fatimid Pageant in Cairo. Photo: Hyder Ali

After captivating the Jamat and, in a special way, bringing the history of the Ismaili Imams so close to the Jamat during their tour of the United States, the cast and crew of ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams share their parting reflections and memories of what the experience was like for them."

Members of the national cast of ALI TO KARIM chronicle their theatrical escapades and provide a behind-the-scenes view of the 2008 USA tour. They share their thoughts and experiences, and discuss the people they meet and places that they visit.

The audience eagerly anticipates the start of the evening performance at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. Photo: Farhez Rayani

A simple white stage at the Redondo Performing Arts Center lit up, as 1 400 years of Ismaili history unfolded through a mix of drama, comedy, narrative, legend, poetry, painting and film. The cast stole the audience away on a roller coaster journey of tears, laughter and merriment.

Rich with ceremony, pageantry and tradition, ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams is a docu-theatre production about the Ismaili Imamat and its contributions to Islam and Muslim civilizations over the past 1 400 years. This Golden Jubilee International Programme toured the USA between July – August 2008.

Golden Jubilee
Archive

Fifty years after he became the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, the global Jamat commemorated Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee with special events and activities around the world that took place between 11 July 2007 – 13 December 2008.

The Institute of
Ismaili Studies

Nutrition
Centre

Featuring a library of traditional recipes annotated with nutritional information and healthy eating tips, as well as articles on how you can make your meals healthier.

Aga Khan
Development Network

Fastest Growing City in Africa Gets 103-hectare Urban Park

» University of Central Asias Kyrgyz Campus Completes Critical New Infrastructure

» Update on FOCUS and AKDN response to Pakistan Floods

Ismaili Centres
Around the World

The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in the regions in which they are established.
Architecturally unique, each building is a safeguard and a symbol of the core values of the Ismaili Muslim community.

Introduction

Articles related to: Drama

The theatre at Cromwell Gardens: A history of the site of the Ismaili Centre, London

Welcoming the world to France: Preparing for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s final Golden Jubilee visit

Ali to Karim ends USA tour with final performance in Houston

Off-script

Ali to Karim premieres in Los Angeles

Ali to Karim

Sharing options

Golden Jubilee
Archive

The Institute of
Ismaili Studies

Nutrition
Centre

Aga Khan
Development Network

Ismaili Centres
Around the World