Pakistan Theater Festival lit up by ‘Nocturnal,’ ‘Art Aur Aata’ | The Express Tribune

The ongoing Pakistan Theater Festival in Karachi continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking and engaging plays. On the 20th and 21st days of the festival, two remarkable theatre productions, Nocturnal and Art Aur Aata, took centre stage, leaving attendees deeply moved and intellectually stimulated.

On the 20th day of the Pakistan Theater Festival, theatre enthusiasts were treated to a riveting performance of Nocturnal, a production that highlighted the current socio-political situation in the country. Written and directed by Bazelah Mustafa, this bilingual play seamlessly blended Urdu and English, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The talented cast of Nocturnal included Ali Sher, Ashmal Lalwani, Ram Govind, Yogeshwar Karrera, and Faizan Younis. Through the medium of movement theatre, the artists skillfully portrayed various aspects of Pakistani society, shedding light on how political parties, media, and rulers exploit the masses. The play received an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, with numerous fans praising the powerful and lively performances of the cast. Nocturnal successfully offered a thought-provoking commentary on the intricate web of politics and media in Pakistan.

Continuing the festival’s streak of impactful theatre, Art Aur Aata by Grips Theater Group took the stage on the 21st day. The play, presented in both Urdu and English, was written by Imran Aslam and featured an exceptional cast, including Faiza Qazi, Khalid Anam, Ameed Riaz, Khalifa Sajeeruddin, and Ayesha Shaikh.

Imran Aslam, the playwright, was honoured during the performance for his significant contributions to the theatre. In his welcome speech, President Arts Muhammad Ahmad Shah expressed that the festival aimed to pay tribute to luminaries such as Kamal Ahmad Rizvi, Imran Aslam, Shakespeare, and other theatre legends.

Shah lauded Aslam’s mentoring and teaching style, highlighting how he shared his wisdom with people of all ages. He emphasised that Aslam’s impact reached beyond just children, as he had the unique ability to teach individuals of all backgrounds.

Veteran actor Khaled Anam, a part of the cast, thanked the President for the opportunity to present their work. He described Art Aur Aata as a timely political satire that fearlessly addresses contemporary Pakistan’s societal flaws and the powerful figures responsible for them. The production masterfully blended humour and critical commentary, inviting the audience to laugh heartily while also encouraging deep contemplation of the pressing issues facing the nation.

Both Nocturnal and Art Aur Aata skillfully showcased the power of theatre to engage, inform, and inspire. As the festival continues, theatre enthusiasts can look forward to more captivating performances that shed light on the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan and the challenges it faces in the modern world.

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