Play ‘Hansel & Gretel’ fills Arts Council with children’s laughter

The 19th day of the 39-day World Culture Festival 2025 at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP), Karachi, on Tuesday featured a vibrant line-up of events, including children’s theatre play titled ‘Hansel & Gretel’, the Asia-Pacific Shorts Showcase and a soulful classical music programme titled ‘Melodic Heritage’.

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and Karachi police chief Addl IG Javed Alam Odho visited the ACP, where they reviewed the security arrangements and ongoing cultural activities.

ACP Karachi President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said artistes from around the world are visiting the city, adding that exemplary security measures have been ensured from the airport to the hotels, and within the ACP premises.

Shah praised Sindh’s chief minister and chief secretary, and the city police for their support, and thanked Odho for maintaining top-tier security. He said Naqvi is consistently supporting the ACP in matters of cleanliness, security and overall city improvement. “Karachi is becoming more beautiful, and its cultural vibrancy is returning. Our security institutions are doing excellent work.”

Naqvi said that such cultural festivals strengthen the city’s positive global image. “Many international artistes have already performed, and new ones continue to arrive. At times the crowd becomes so large that we have to close the gates. This festival is a result of Muhammad Ahmed Shah’s dedicated efforts.”

Odho said that cultural festivals like this help revive the city’s charm and vibrancy. The Sindh police, the Special Branch, the Special Security Unit and the traffic police are contributing to the festival, he added.

Calling Shah a “one-man army”, he congratulated him on successfully organising the event. He said Karachi’s people are witnessing cultural colours from all around the world, and such festivals play an important role in promoting peace in the city.

The 19th day of the festival began with ‘Hansel & Gretel’, written by the Brothers Grimm, and adapted for theatre and directed by Uzma Sabeen. A large number of schoolchildren attended the show, filling the auditorium.

The play was based on the classic fairy tale in which a cruel stepmother abandons a brother and sister in the forest. While trying to find their way home, they discover a cottage made of sweets and candies, which actually belongs to a cunning witch who lures children in and eats them.

She imprisons both children, but the clever Gretel manages to free herself and Hansel. They escape with the witch’s treasure and return safely to their father.

Actors Hassan Alam, Zubi Fatima, Asif Shehzad, Alizah Javed, Hashir, Hamza Jamil and Samina Sehr delivered outstanding performances, filling the auditorium with children’s laughter. Students applauded the actors enthusiastically.

During the Asia-Pacific Shorts Showcase five films were screened. ‘The Art of Eating Sin’ (Australia), directed by Hunter Leech, is a bold experimental film exploring the themes of sin and desire. ‘Gone Yet Alive’ (Cambodia), directed by Sereyrath Mech, is a thought-provoking story centred on war and survival.

‘Pirates of Sepuluh Ribuan’ (Indonesia), directed by Muhammad Azhar, is an adventurous and humorous tale set across remote Indonesian islands. ‘The Buraq That Can’t Fly’ (Hong Kong), directed by Zeed M, is a bilingual, imaginative story based on a mother’s dreams.

‘Coffee: The Human Journey Behind Your Coffee’ (Singapore), directed by Budiyan, Rebeltech Collective and Uitv Tacode, is a documentary exploring the personal stories of a coffee grower.

The classical music programme featured performances by Ricardo Passos of Portugal, Gul Muhammad, Rahat Inayat Ali, Yousuf Basheer, Mumtaz Sabzal, Imran Abbas, Izzat Fateh Ali Khan and Fateh Ali Khan.

The jugalbandi of Gul Muhammad, Rahat Inayat Ali and Yousuf Basheer added remarkable charm to the evening. Ricardo Passos captivated the audience by playing instruments from Portugal, Türkiye, Romania, Brazil and several other countries.

The performances of Mumtaz Sabzal and Imran Abbas also received loud applause from the audience. The World Culture Festival will continue at the ACP until December 7.