10-day Sindh Theatre Festival Larkana 2025 kicks off

LARKANA: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Arts Council Larkana, held a grand inauguration of the “10-day Sindh Theatre Festival Larkana 2025” at the Arts Council Larkana. The event was graced by the chief guest, Commissioner Larkana Tahir Sangi.

Prominent attendees included Chairman Folk Heritage Committee Arts Council Karachi Dr Ayub Shaikh and Chairman Music Committee Amjad Hussain Shah. President Arts Council Larkana Ismail Jatoi, Secretary Hanif Suhag, along with theatre artists, showbiz personalities, and a large number of local citizens, also participated enthusiastically.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commissioner Larkana Tahir Sangi stated, “The work we should be doing is already being done by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. After attending this event, I feel like a changed man — one who now truly understands the importance of cultural connections. Through cultural engagement, many social evils can be addressed and eliminated.”

Chairman Folk Heritage Committee Dr Ayub Shaikh praised the ongoing efforts of Muhammad Ahmed Shah, president of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, saying, “Ahmed Shah is actively revitalizing arts councils across Sindh. Theatre festivals, music festivals, and other cultural activities are being financially supported by the Arts Council Karachi throughout the province. His vision is to create a strong network among artists and promote a rich cultural atmosphere in Sindh.”

On the festival’s opening day, the audience witnessed “Ishq Fishq”, a thought-provoking play by Wajid Aazad centred on the issue of drug addiction. The performance highlighted the devastating impact of substance abuse on youth and was met with widespread praise for the powerful acting and socially conscious message.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr Ayub Shaikh distributed financial support checks to theatre directors on behalf of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.

The festival will continue daily until June 22, with performances starting each evening at 8:30pm at the Arts Council Larkana. The lineup includes powerful stage plays such as “Daywidhi” by Amjad Abro, “Kati a konhay doh ” (Ufaq Basheer Channa), “Thano Siyano” (Shameem Abbasi), “Taraqi jo rasto” (Rafique Abro), “Bhala Re Bhaag” (Ayoob Gaad), “Wah JoAayhan” (Asad Khokhar), “Bewas” (Asad Khokhar) “, Aas Naras” (Ufaq Basheer Channa), and the concluding day will feature “Qaidyani” by Loung Sheikh.