The tradition of awami theatre must go on, says Ahmed Shah
The Karachi Arts Council president announced its first theatre for the masses from April 16 onwards
The annual Awami Theatre Festival organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan will take place from Jan 22 to Feb 15, announced the council’s President Ahmed Shah at a press conference on Thursday evening.
Mr Shah said the festival is part of the council’s tradition. “It happens after the World Culture Festival which concluded in December (2025). After that there was the International Urdu Conference followed by the holy month of Ramazan.
The weather conditions are good. We discussed all of this with our colleagues who are associated with theatre.
We came to the conclusion that before Ramazan, there could be a month-long event in which lovers of theatre would be entertained.
All senior directors are taking part in the festival. In fact, our senior artist, director and classical dancer Sheema Kermani is also doing a play. Since she is connected with the people. She always says that she will participate in the Awami Theatre Festival.”
He said the council has a rich history of such events. Artists who worked on its premises such as Moin Akhtar, Umar Sharif, Sikandar Sanam and Liaquat Soldier, who are no longer in this world, became popular. “We have thus far finalised 30 plays. We will do two dramas on weekends. It will all begin on Jan 22 and Feb 15 will be the last day.”
The Vice-President of the Council, Munawwar Saeed, gave a piece of advice to the artists who will be seen in action at the event. He said they should be honest with the characters that they’re asked to play.
Mr Shah then again addressed the media and said although most of the plays are in Urdu, there are dramas in Punjabi, Sindhi, Seraiki and Balochi languages. “For the last 18 years, we have been telling our theatre friends that we would give you financial support and make sets for you but to make the play a worthy quality piece depends on the director. “In the beginning there were issues. This is the Arts Council. Here you are allowed to have creative liberty, but coming up with vulgar stuff in the name of creative ability is not acceptable.”
The festival will kick off with Seedhi Jalebi directed by Shakil Shah and end with Mujh Mein Tu Mojud presented by Tehrik-i-Niswan.
Originally published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026