‘Arfee’ bids farewell to Arts Council theatre festival

The successful 20-day Karachi Theatre Festival 2016 came to an end on Tuesday evening with the restaging of the play, Arfee, written by the noted playwright, Kamal Ahmed Rizvi.

The auditorium was packed beyond capacity. Many had to sit on
the floor while there was
a large crowd waiting outside to grab a chance to get in.

All these 20 days, the hall was full to capacity and theatre fans would arrive over an hour before the commencement of the plays so as not to miss getting a place to sit. All the plays were gripping with their themes depicting the times and the issues that are a salient feature of our society. 

The incharge of the festival, Ahmed Shah, praised the team associated with the festival for having made the programme a resounding success. 

He said that buoyed by the success of the plays, they were now contemplating such a festival exclusively for children.

Noted stage and theatre personality Anwar Maqsood, speaking as guest of honour, praised Ahmed Shah’s determination that made the whole thing a smashing success.

Paying tribute to Shah’s innovative approach, he said, “Had it been up to me, I would have fixed the price of the ticket at fifty rupees, at least.” 

He was praising Shah’s approach whereby theatre fans did not have to pay a single penny for the ticket, something that is highly creditable.

This is the most
innovative way to popularise theatre, apart from providing the entertainment-starved citizenry with a healthy, wholesome
outlet.

Maqsood’s speech, as usual, was profusely interspersed with the most witty and humorous remarks and anecdotes and kept the audience giggling for the duration of his speech.