Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: September 11, 2023 | 
| 中文
(L to R) Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman, Munawwar Saeed, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, Anwar Maqsood
The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi (ACPKHI), a champion of arts and culture, has once again unfurled its artistic canvas to present the awe-inspiring Pakistan Theatre Festival.
This monumental cultural extravaganza, heralded as the largest theatre festival in the nation's history, is a testament to ACPKHI's unswerving commitment to promote, educate and preserve the multifaceted world of arts and culture in Pakistan and around the globe. Over the course of 30 extraordinary days, this festival promises to enthrall audiences with a stellar lineup of 7 international and 27 national theatre groups, offering a grand total of 45 unique performances.
At the heart of this cultural celebration stands the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi (ACPKHI), Pakistan's foremost non-profit organization dedicated to fostering arts and culture. ACPKHI's overarching vision is to create a nurturing environment where creativity thrives, and the Pakistan Theatre Festival is the embodiment of that vision. This dazzling event is not just a festival, but a testament to the indomitable spirit of ACPKHI in championing the cause of arts and culture.
The inaugural night of the Pakistan Theatre Festival unfurled in all its grandeur, commencing with a glamorous red-carpet event that set the stage for a night to remember. Eminent luminaries from the world of Pakistani entertainment, including Anwar Maqsood, Javed Sheikh, Behroz Subzwari, Usman Peerzada, Nabeel, Sajid Hassan, Munawwar Saeed, Hiba Bukhari, Adnan Shah Tipu and many more, graced the occasion with their presence. Their collective praise resonated throughout the venue, a resounding tribute to the Arts Council of Pakistan for taking on the Herculean task of rekindling the flame of theatre in Pakistan.
Javed Sheikh and Behroz Subzwari with Dino on the red carpet
In a fervent expression of hope for the festival's enduring legacy, Nabeel Zafar, a prominent figure in the industry asserted, "The Pakistan Theatre Festival is a tremendous effort by the Arts Council of Pakistan, and I hope that it is held every year from now on." The revered writer and living legend Anwar Maqsood, marveled at the audacity of the festival's scope, noting, "To hold a theatre festival of this level in these circumstances is a feat only ACPKHI could have undertaken."
Behroz Subzwari, a seasoned actor with decades of experience, paid homage to theatre's profound influence on an actor's craft declaring, "Theatre is like an actor's mother, and teaches an actor everything he needs to know." Munawwar Saeed, a distinguished actor, voice artist, and Vice President of ACPKHI, expressed his delight at witnessing the renaissance of theatre in Pakistan. With deep nostalgia and optimism he stated, "Now that ACPKHI has taken on this task, people will witness good theatre again."
In his poignant welcome address, Mohammad Ahmed Shah (HI)(SI), the driving force behind ACPKHI, underscored the festival's significance in a country grappling with myriad challenges. "We have not forgotten to smile, we cannot forget to smile," he declared! He emphasized that this festival was a collective effort to bring joy to people's lives, even if only fleetingly.
The opening night featured two original short plays by the gifted Salman Shahid. The first, titled "Abdullah," delved into the realm of comedy, though with varied audience reactions. The second offering, "Patriot," displayed promise but lacked the finesse one might expect from an inaugural show. Nevertheless, it was a testament to the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse forms of dramatic expression.
A still from 'Patriot'
The festival's second day brought an international flair to the stage with the mesmerizing performance of the Uplift Theatre Group from the USA. Their original physical movement play, "Through the Waves," left the audience spellbound. The trio of performers, Nicholette, Hannah, and Juliana, masterfully conveyed profound emotions without uttering a single word. Their wordless eloquence resonated deeply with the audience, who were not only enthralled by the physical prowess displayed, but also touched by the emotional depth. The day after the performance, the performers expressed their astonishment at the audience's reception and the heartfelt interactions they had with attendees at ACPKHI. "We did not know what to expect, and we are so happy that so many people liked the performance," Nicholette remarked.
A still from 'Through the Waves'
The festival's third day served up a theatrical feast with two compelling performances. The first, "The Police," directed by Hassam Irfan, offered a satirical take on society's current state, provoking uproarious laughter multiple times. Performers Owais Rehan, Arman Sami, Zain ul Ebad, Sheryl John, and Farhan Alam Siqqiqui breathed life into this biting political satire, providing both entertainment and social commentary.
A still from 'The Police'
The second performance of the day featured a dance show by Chandana Wickramasinghe & Dancers Guild of Sri Lanka. These talented performers, who had specially flown in for the Pakistan Theatre Festival, mesmerized the crowd with a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary dances. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse forms of artistic expression.
A dance performance by Chandana Wickramasinghe and Dancers Guild of Sri Lanka
These three days represent only the opening act of a grand theatrical symphony. The Pakistan Theatre Festival is set to showcase a total of 7 international and 27 national theatre groups, presenting 45 distinct performances. Beyond the stage, the festival promises enlightening panel discussions and immersive theatre-based workshops, offering audiences an opportunity to deepen their appreciation for the performing arts.
For those eager to partake in this cultural extravaganza, tickets for shows are readily available at Ticketwala.pk and the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. As a generous gesture, students are entitled to a 50% discount on all tickets, ensuring that the magic of the theatre is accessible to all.
As the Pakistan Theatre Festival unfolds, it stands as a resplendent testament to ACPKHI's enduring dedication to nurturing the theatrical arts in Pakistan. With each passing day, the festival continues to enrich the nation's cultural tapestry, inviting all to bask in the brilliance of the stage. In the weeks ahead, the festival will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Pakistan's artistic landscape, offering a captivating glimpse into the limitless possibilities of the dramatic arts. It is a celebration that transcends boundaries, beckoning all to revel in the magic of the theatre.
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