21-day ‘Awami Theatre Festival 2024’ opens at ACP

The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, has inaugurated a 21-day event named ‘Awami Theatre Festival 2024’.

The festival has been inaugurated by ACP President Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Prominent artistes, including Nazar Hussain, Adam Rathore, Shakeel Siddiqui, Rauf Lala, Zakir Mastana, Shakeel Shah, Younus Memon, Zahid Shah, Tasneem Rana, Rizwan Sabir, Danish Baloch, Wajeeha Waris, Amir Rambo, Abdul Hameed Rathore, Jameel Rahi, Khadim Hussain Achvi, and Ilyas Nadeem, attended the ceremony.

During the opening, ACP President Shah remarked that Pakistan is fundamentally for the people, and the purpose of the ‘Awami Theatre Festival’ is to bring smiles to people’s faces. He added that the festival could extend beyond its planned 21 days.

We invite international artistes but never neglecting local artistes. He emphasized that his work is driven not by personal ambition but by a desire to serve the country’s youth, urging the government to allow them to continue their efforts.

Shah called on the prime minister and ministers to fulfil the promises made to the public who voted for them. He also noted that numerous colleagues who contributed to theater at the Arts Council have passed away, and “Awami Theatre Festival” continues this cherished tradition.

He vowed that there would be no preference or special treatment, as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of social status. He expressed regret over limited resources but stressed that the festival provides free entertainment for the public.

For the first time, the “Awami Theatre Festival” is being held indoors in an airconditioned auditorium rather than open-air. He credited the Governing Body, Arts Council members, and the team for this initiative.

Actor Rauf Lala praised Shah for his efforts in reviving Karachi’s vibrancy, citing his contributions to the “World Culture Festival”. He commended Shah for organizing the “Awami Theatre Festival”, adding that legendary artistes like Moin Akhtar, Umer Sharif, and Sikander Sanam are still remembered worldwide.

Actor Zakir Mastana also appreciated Shah’s dedication to providing entertainment for the people of Karachi and his work to revive theater. This festival includes performances in Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, Saraiki, Memoni, and other languages, aiming to offer a rich experience to Karachi’s public.

Director Zahid Shah welcomed the festival’s launch, acknowledging that only someone like Ahmed Shah could bring this vision to life. He highlighted Shah's extensive contributions to the artist community. On the festival’s first day, writer and director Shakeel Shah presented an educational stage play titled “Khwaish” (Desire), featuring a cast that included Zakir Mastana, Shahani Azeem, Shanzy, Shabbir Bhatti, Sapna Ghazal, Shahbaz Sanam, Ashraf Chiragh, and Shakeel Shah himself.

The play revolves around the theme of desires, portraying a woman who amasses worldly wishes, from wealth to grandchildren. She meets an elder who tells her that each desire will be granted, but at a cost. When she wishes for ten million rupees, her son tragically dies in an accident, and she receives the money as insurance compensation. In this manner, she faces the consequences of three desires.

On November 9, the Sindhi-language play “Wah Saeen Wah” was to be performed at 8 pm. The Awami Theatre Festival will feature daily performances on various social and cultural topics, with free entry for the public.